Benefit & Eligibility Worker (Human Services Specialist 3)

Initial Posting Date:

07/02/2024

Application Deadline:

07/14/2024

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$3,776.00 - $5,232.00

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Benefit & Eligibility Worker (Human Services Specialist 3)

Job Description:

We are seeking Benefit & Eligibility Workers to join our Roseburg Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) Team. We have multiple openings!

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.

Have you always wanted to be part of a collaborative and diverse team working in person to support Oregonians? If you are looking for a career opportunity that you can grow with and want to make a difference in people's lives, the position below is for you!

You will work in the Roseburg Branch and assist Oregonians in-person and over the phone in office. This position is not remote.

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!

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 applicable to the client's situation.

• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience relative to the class concept.

Candidates must clearly demonstrate meeting the minimum qualifications (What you need to qualify) in their submitted resume or application. This is best done by submitting a complete (long version) resume and/or application with all work experience, including all job duties, education, and relevant volunteer work.

We cannot accept updated or additional materials after the posting deadline, please ensure your materials are current and complete.

Essential attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience interviewing customers/clients to elicit pertinent information for determining eligibility for services.

• Experience cooperating within a team to find solutions and make decisions that support agency goals.

• Experience working with people under emotional and/or financial stress and from a variety of cultures and backgrounds.

• Experience completing technical and detailed work using basic mathematics and software tools while maintaining accuracy.

• Experience communicating decisions regarding the approval or denial of benefits while engaging diverse populations and individuals that face communication challenges.

• Experience researching, interpreting, and applying policies and regulations in a work environment with frequently changing processes.

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.

Your duties at a glance

As an employee working within Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP), you will provide direction and resources to everyone working to determine eligibility for Oregonians applying for and receiving medical, food, cash and childcare benefits through the ONE eligibility system. You will be a critical part of the eligibility process that moves beyond integration and equality, to focus on equity of services and providing timely, accurate, and necessary eligibility determinations through a person-centered approach.

As an Eligibility Worker, you will:

• Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, periodic reviews, and updates to changes for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs.

• Interview applicants in person, by phone, by email to gather information needed to assess and determine if there is a need for services and benefits.

• Create and maintain written documentation of interactions and determinations regarding clients.

• Be responsible for accurate and timely eligibility determinations across the state to ensure recipients meet requirements for all OEP programs.

• Communicate eligibility decisions to applicants and send all required notifications within appropriate time frames.

• Explain applicant rights and responsibilities during the initial application interview and when benefits are changed and renewed.

• Make appropriate referrals to other ODHS programs and resources, as well as provide other community resource options and referrals based on the different strengths and needs of each client.

• Communicate and collaborate frequently and effectively with colleagues, leads, and managers.

• Attend trainings and meetings to keep your working knowledge up to date with ongoing changes.

• Handle and protect sensitive and confidential information as well as Oregonian and agency data appropriately.

Working conditions

• Work is conducted in offices and other program sites.

• Works a traditional work week, Monday - Friday.

• Occasional overtime may be available with supervisor approval.

• This position requires a good attendance pattern and appropriate use of accrued paid leave to ensure branch coverage for vacations and other leaves.

• May encounter angry, hostile, frustrated individuals as well as those with behavioral or cognitive challenges.

• Fast paced environment with constantly evolving policies and procedures. Repetitive motions, prolonged sitting, and daily computer and technology use.

• This position has optional opportunities for outstation work in the community, which may involve the use of state vehicles. Use of state vehicle requires a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record. Reasonable accommodations per the ADA or creative solutions in certain cases may be used to meet this need.

Application instructions & requirements

Your work history profile, cover letter (optional), and resume are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and demonstrate your skills, lived and/or work experience that shows you are an excellent candidate for the position.

• Please upload a resume or complete the work history profile. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.

• Current State of Oregon employees: Apply via your employee Workday account.

• 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.

• Must possess a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record to use state vehicles. Reasonable accommodations per the ADA or creative solutions in certain cases may be used to meet this need.

Helpful information

• This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.

• The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect an additional 6.95%.

• Have questions about Workday, and 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), have questions or need assistance with the application process, please contact Yvette Sather-Medford via email yvette.c.medford@odhs.oregon.gov or (541)709-0306 (Text ok). Please be sure to include the job requisition number.

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