Eligibility Worker

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

Do you have a passion for serving Oregon's most vulnerable community members? Are you an innovative, compassionate and hard-working individual who thrives when working as part of a team? If this sounds like you, you could be the newest addition to our team, and we sincerely hope you consider joining us.

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

• When you join the , 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 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 including health, dental, vision and much more

We are seeking a talented individual to serve as an Eligibility Worker at our Woodburn ODHS office. In this role you will be part of a team that provides assistance and conducts interviews in-person and over the phone to determine eligibility for Oregonians seeking services from our agency.

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. Bilingual language skills are not required for this position, but preference will be given to Spanish/English bilingual skills.

What you need to qualify / Minimum qualifications:

• Two (2) 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.

Essential attributes we are seeking:

• Trauma informed approach: Experience recognizing symptoms and behaviors that originate from adapting to traumatic responses. Commitment to minimizing re-traumatization or replicating prior trauma dynamics.

• Customer focused: Experience providing customer service in a professional environment to diverse customers in a manner that demonstrates active listening and compassion.

• Collaboration: Experience developing professional relationships that establish trust, approachability and flexibility amongst individuals or organizations with competing priorities.

• Direct services: Experience providing services for community members experiencing homelessness, domestic violence and/or migration hardships who have historically been marginalized, underserved, in crisis, or disadvantaged.

To be considered for an interview, your application and/or resume must clearly show that you meet the minimum qualifications and describe the essential attributes you possess. 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.

Your duties at a glance:

This position is part of Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP). OEP is part of the Oregon Department of Human Services. OEP provides 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. .

As an 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 individual and family stability. You will determine eligibility for people applying for various programs and benefits through interviewing, gathering and assessing information. Programs we administer include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Long Term Care (LTC) services, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Employment Related Day Care (ERDC), Domestic Violence services and various Medicaid (Health insurance) programs.

Working conditions:

• The work schedule is 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday on site and in-person at the Woodburn ODHS branch office.

• 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.

• May require sitting at a computer or telephone for prolonged periods of the workday.