Benefit & Eligibility Worker (Human Services Specialist 3)

 

Initial Posting Date:

05/05/2023

Application Deadline:

05/21/2023

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$3,265 - $4,913

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Benefit & Eligibility Worker (Human Services Specialist 3)

Job Description:

Position Title: Benefit & Eligibility Worker (Human Services Specialist 3)

Accepting applications: May 5th, 2023 – May 21st, 2023

Salary Range: $3,265 - $4,913

Location: Astoria, Oregon

Type: Full time position with part-time hybrid option (this is not a remote work position)

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are actively working to build an equitable agency with the

Equity North Star

as our guide toward our vision of an agency free of racism, discrimination and bias. We believe that teams in which everyone can show up as their full authentic self are key to creating a thriving workforce that can better serve communities. We welcome members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to apply.

Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), A place to belong and make a difference!

• When you join the

  ODHS

  , you join a community of over 10,000 employees dedicated to serving and helping Oregonians achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice, and preserve dignity.
• Connect with ODHS Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and find a place to belong, build community and participate in shared learning. ERGs are employee-driven committees that support each other as well as the ODHS’ overall mission and vision.
• We are committed to building an antiracist and equitable agency. Equity is foundational to our role as a human services agency, and we are committed to integrating equity into all we do. The

  Equity North Star

  has four points that explain the agency's goals related to equity, inclusion, and racial justice.
• We know that life is unpredictable and ODHS cares about keeping you well. Enjoy a work-life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, and

  competitive benefits packages

  including health, dental, vision and much more!
• If you have federal student loan debt or are thinking of going back to school, then you might benefit from the

  Student Loan Forgiveness Program

  . If you make 120 qualifying payments on your student loan while working full-time for a qualifying employer, your student loan debt may be forgiven.

Join our eligibility team in beautiful Astoria, Oregon!

Have you always wanted to be part of a collaborative, dynamic, diverse team? If you are looking for an opportunity to be on the cutting edge of a new career, making a difference in peoples' lives, and have a desire to help others, this position may be for you!

The Office of Self Sufficiency, which is part of the Oregon Department of Human Services, is looking for a talented individual to serve as Benefit and Eligibility Worker in our Astoria office. In this role you will be part of a team that provides assistance and conducts interviews to determine eligibility for Oregonians seeking services from our agency.

This position is part of our Astoria branch that serves the public in person, over the phone and online. The standard work schedule is Monday – Friday, 8am–5pm. Some alternate schedules may be approved after initial training is successfully completed. While this position is not remote, successful candidates may be approved for local hybrid work from home (two days per week maximum) after training is successfully completed. Staff may be required to come into the office at any time for onsite trainings, meetings, or as operational needs require.

If you have bilingual language skills, you are encouraged to apply! Preference will be given to Spanish/English language skills, but all languages are welcomed and utilized to better serve our Oregonians. We offer bilingual differential pay, which is an extra 5% of the employee’s base pay upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency in a language other than English. Please note, bilingual language skills are encouraged, but not required for these positions.

Self-Sufficiency Programs Mission:

To provide a safety net, family stability and a connection to careers that guide Oregonians out of poverty. The Self Sufficiency offices help with food benefits (SNAP), cash for families (TANF), childcare assistance (ERDC), medical programs, refugee services, and domestic violence services.

Summary of duties:

As a Benefit & Eligibility Worker, you will play a critical role in providing a safety net that supports better outcomes for Oregonians. You will provide resources that support family stability and will also assist in connecting Oregonians to careers. You will determine eligibility for people applying to various Self- Sufficiency Programs through interviewing, gathering and assessing information.

Working conditions:

• Contact with the public, including contact with Oregonians experiencing emotional and financial stress.
• Serve a diverse range of customers with compassion and professionalism through a trauma informed lens.
• Will require sitting at a computer or telephone for prolonged periods of the workday.
• Experience high volume of computer work, using various computer programs in a fast-paced environment.
• Priorities and procedures may change daily and require the ability to be flexible in application of procedures.
• Hybrid or telework may be allowed two days per week within proximity to the office once the initial training has been successfully completed.

Minimum qualifications / What you need to qualify:

• Two years of experience determining eligibility for an agency program by interviewing to assess the needs of clients, and interpreting and applying the policies, rules, and guidelines that are applicable to the client's situation.
• Any college courses may be substituted for the two years of general experience on a year-for-year basis (45 quarter hours is equivalent to one year of experience.) A photocopy of your transcripts must be attached to your application materials if using college courses to meet the minimum qualifications.

You must clearly show that you meet the minimum qualifications in your application or resume to be considered for an interview. Your application and/or resume will be used when completing a pay equity assessment. The pay equity assessment determines your pay rate/salary step, so complete and detailed history of work, education, and other experience is helpful.

ESSENTIAL ATTRIBUTES: Please be sure to clearly describe how you meet these attributes within your application materials. These attributes will be used to determine which candidates will be selected to move forward in the process.

• Equity and Inclusion: The ability to promote a culture of equitable treatment, belonging, and commitment to fostering ODHS’ mission to actively work to foster an anti-racist workplace.
• Dedication to teamwork: Demonstrated commitment to developing relationships that establish trust, approachability, and collaboration amongst individuals with diverse learning and communication styles. Inclusive and respectful of others’ contributions and ideas.
• Application of laws, rules, & policies: Ability to learn and accurately apply complex laws, rules, and policies to various types of cases or circumstances.
• Detailed-oriented/accuracy: Commitment to accuracy and attention to details, ensuring you have a complete understanding of the task you're working on.
• Customer Focus: Ability to provide excellent customer service to a high volume of diverse customers in a manner that demonstrates active listening and compassion.
• Adaptable/ongoing learner: An avid learner with demonstrated ability to apply lessons-learned to varying environments and situations; welcome constructive feedback and suggestions to strengthen work performance.

How to apply:

Your work history profile, cover letter, and resume are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and showcase your skills and experience that make you the best candidate for the position.

• Please upload a resume or complete the Workday history profile. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
• A cover letter is not required for this application. However, you may attach one if you wish. This may help the manager understand better how you possess the essential attributes.
• Current State of Oregon employees: Apply via your employee Workday account. Ensure that your Workday is updated and includes your work and education history.
• If you are not a current State of Oregon employee: view this

  application instructional video

  .
• After you submit your application, you will have additional tasks to complete in Workday. Please continue to check your Workday account throughout the recruitment process.

Additional requirements:

• Finalists for this position will be subject to a computerized criminal history and abuse check. Adverse background information will be reviewed and could result in withdrawal of a conditional job offer or termination of employment.
• The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.
• May require a valid driver’s license or other acceptable method of transportation.

Helpful information:

• This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.
• Have questions about Workday or want some tips on understanding the state application process? Check out our

  Oregon job opportunities

  page.
• If you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact

  dhs.recruitment@odhsoha.oregon.gov

  .
• If you have questions or need assistance with the application process, reach out to Alissa Walker via email at

  ALISSA.WALKER@odhs

  .oregon.gov or via phone at 503-519-1807. Please be sure to include the job requisition number when you reach out.

Come for a job. | Stay for a career. | Make a difference... for a lifetime!