VEC Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist), Spanish/English bilingual required – multiple vacancies!

State of Oregon • Salem, OR

6d • Remote

About The Position

Nos enorgullece ser un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades. Estamos trabajando de manera activa para crear una agencia equitativa junto a Equity North Star como guía y continuar nuestra visión de ser una agencia sin racismo, discriminación ni sesgo. Creemos que los equipos en los que todos pueden mostrarse de manera auténtica son fundamentales para crear una fuerza laboral próspera que pueda brindarle un mejor servicio a la comunidad. Invitamos a los miembros de grupos raciales o étnicos históricamente subrepresentados, mujeres, personas con discapacidades, veteranos, miembros de la comunidad LGBTQIA2S+ y otras personas a presentar una solicitud. Bilingual requirement English and Spanish: This position requires duties to be completed in both English and Spanish. The job offer will be contingent upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements of the position. This position may receive a 5% differential pay based on passing the required language test. Information session Interested in learning more about this position? Attend our information session! The hiring manager, an Eligibility team member and recruiter will share information and answer questions. Please note, this information session is not part of the interview process. If you plan to attend and need an accommodation, please send requests in advance to [e-mail]. If you are unable to attend and would like a copy of the recorded session, please send requests to [e-mail]. Thursday, March 19th from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Pacific Time Link to register: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/wzR1sH0CQqGigkVI_4Cv1g Opportunity awaits! The Virtual Eligibility Center (VEC) team is seeking talented individuals who have experience interviewing applicants to determine eligibility for programs and services through a trauma informed lens. If you are looking for a meaningful career that serves Oregon’s most vulnerable community members, apply today to join our team! Please note: Our supervisors work together as a team for larger scale hiring efforts, such as this one. If invited to interview, you may interview with a different supervisor than the future direct supervisor. After the interviews are complete, the top selected candidates will be assigned and connected to an ongoing, direct supervisor who will conduct reference checks and guide the top candidate through the Equal Pay, Background Check and Offer letter steps of the recruitment process. Summary of Duties Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) is a program within ODHS that determines eligibility for people living in Oregon who apply for medical, food, cash and childcare benefits through the ONE eligibility system. OEP plays 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: Interview applicants by phone to gather and assess information for benefits we administer, such as Domestic Violence services, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Long Term Care (LTC) services, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Employment Related Day Care (ERDC), and various Medicaid (Health insurance) programs. Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, and periodic reviews. Assist callers over the phone who are receiving or applying for benefits. Communicate eligibility decisions to applicants. Provide person-centered services with a trauma-informed approach to identify needs. Be responsible for accurate and timely eligibility determinations. Create a work environment where everyone feels welcomed, appreciated and valued. Participate in professional development opportunities and ongoing education of cultural awareness.

Requirements

• One (1) year of experience working at the Human Services Specialist 1 level for the State of Oregon; OR Two (2) years of experience working with the public, providing assistance and interpreting and applying policies, rules, or guidelines; OR An associate degree in a Behavioral Science, Social Science or a closely related field AND six (6) months of experience working with the public, providing assistance and interpreting and applying policies, rules, or guidelines; OR An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience relative to the class concept.
• Experience sustaining focus, engagement, and productivity during extended periods of virtual learning and computer-based work.
• Intermediate computer proficiency with online research tools, digital communication and navigating multiple web-based platforms to reconcile and validate data.
• Experience using sound judgment, a trauma informed approach and cultural responsiveness to identify successful solutions to problems.
• Experience conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents.
• Experience adapting communication style to explain complex information such as rules or procedures verbally and in writing to diverse audiences.
• Experience independently managing workload using time management, organization, and prioritization skills to consistently meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Interview applicants by phone to gather and assess information for benefits we administer, such as Domestic Violence services, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Long Term Care (LTC) services, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Employment Related Day Care (ERDC), and various Medicaid (Health insurance) programs.
• Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, and periodic reviews.
• Assist callers over the phone who are receiving or applying for benefits.
• Communicate eligibility decisions to applicants.
• Provide person-centered services with a trauma-informed approach to identify needs.
• Be responsible for accurate and timely eligibility determinations.
• Create a work environment where everyone feels welcomed, appreciated and valued.
• Participate in professional development opportunities and ongoing education of cultural awareness.

Benefits

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
• Amazing benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree