Lead Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist, Senior)

Job description

Initial Posting Date: 07/09/2026 Application Deadline: 07/19/2026 Agency: Department of Human Services Salary Range: $5,193 - $6,904 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Lead Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist, Senior) Job Description: The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our  Equity North Star  and our vision for a positive  RiSE organizational culture  that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

Opportunity awaits! If you enjoy helping your peers resolve issues, serving as a resource for understanding and explaining complex policies and procedures, and find yourself mentoring, training, and guiding staff around you, then this may be the position for you! If you are looking for a new career, consider taking on a key role in our team as a Public Benefits Specialist, Senior for the Glisan office for the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).

Summary of Duties

Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) ensures timely, accurate eligibility determinations for Oregonians seeking medical, food, employment, childcare, and cash assistance. OEP collaborates with communities and partners to continually improve the eligibility experience, support multi ‑ generational needs, and address social determinants of health through data ‑ informed and equitable service delivery. As a Lead Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist Senior) you will be a resource to staff for policy and procedures and ensure that program benefits are determined and administered correctly. The Lead Eligibility Worker functions as part of the leadership team, acts as an eligibility and procedure specialist for staff, may act on behalf of the supervisor in their absence, and is a resource when they are present. Duties include, but are not limited to:

- Accurately determine eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF and TA-DVS), Employment Related Day Care (ERDC), long-term services and supports, and other medical programs.

- Monitor and assess production levels and assign or reassign daily work to eligibility staff based on business needs.

- Provide technical assistance, resources, and guidance to staff who primarily assist Oregonians in the Store Front office.

- Conduct formal reviews of work and provide feedback and training to staff.

- Attend daily and weekly meetings with staff, other lead workers, and leadership.

- Maintain a work environment that respects, understands and honors the lived experiences of our customers, colleagues and communities we serve.

- Code the appropriate systems to deliver benefits as determined by the eligibility of the applicant. This is accomplished by conducting interviews, reviewing verifications, and interpreting policy and rules.

Minimum Qualifications

A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.

- Two years of experience working at the Public Benefit Specialist3 level for the State of Oregon; OR

- Three years of experience determining eligibility for an agency program (e.g., cash assistance, medical assistance, food stamps, etc.); OR

- An associate degree in a Behavioral Science, Social Science or a closely related field AND one year 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.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

- Advanced experience navigating the ONE system for the purposes of reviewing accuracy of eligibility determinations and/or conducting audits on specific data points.

- Experience building collaborative relationships with community partners and knowledge of resources.

- Experience supporting and mentoring staff, fostering a positive work environment for employee growth and development online and in person.

- Experience inputting and retrieving data from different computer programs including DHR, Tracs, and the ONE system.

Attention all candidates! A cover letter is required .   Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history.

- Please make sure your application materials, resume and job history, are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range. If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is listed as a minimum qualification for the position, please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.

- The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification.

- The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

Working Conditions

- This position is assigned to the Store Front Office and will be working in an office environment in person.

- Standard working hours are Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm in office. These hours can vary if required for business or operational needs.

- The office is constructed of cubicles, so work is often interrupted, and noise level is sometimes high. Occasional overtime may be available.

- Travel will be required to meet business needs or to attend employee training classes, community appointments.

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

- Employees in these positions may be required to work a flexible work schedule as a condition of employment. This is understood to mean that the hours of work may vary.

- This position will also perform electronic processing tasks, including preparing reports and handling hearing requests.

Background Checks and Requirements

- If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information.

- 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.

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 .

Employment Preference

Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard preference:

- Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.

General Information

- This is a permanent, full-time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

- This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

Contact Information

We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions.

- The recruiter for this position is Cris Jansen. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number:

- Email: Crista.jansen@odhs.oregon.gov

- Phone (call or text):503-826-6988