Benefit and Eligibility Worker (Human Service Specialist 3). Virtual Eligibility Specialist (VEC). Bilingual English/Spanish Required in Cottage Grove, OR in State of Oregon

Job title: Benefit and Eligibility Worker (Human Service Specialist 3). Virtual Eligibility Specialist (VEC). Bilingual English/Spanish Required

Company: State of Oregon

Job description: Initial Posting Date: 06/26/2023

Application Deadline: 07/10/2023

Agency: Department of Human Services

Salary Range: 3,265.00 - 4,913.00 USD Monthly

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: Benefit and Eligibility Worker (Human Service Specialist 3). Virtual Eligibility Specialist (VEC). Bilingual English/Spanish Required

Job Description:

We want you to join our team!

Do you want the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of Oregonians in need of resources to achieve wellbeing? Do you want to be part of a diverse workforce that collaborates and learns from each other to improve services that support children, families, and communities? If you want a career that makes a difference in the lives of more than 1 million Oregonians, we invite you to apply today!

The D5 Office of Self Sufficiency which is part of the Oregon Department of Human Services, has been granted the permission to fill Human Service Specialist 3 Eligibility workers to serve as a Virtual Eligibility Center (VEC) Benefit & Eligibility Worker (Human Services Specialist 3).

This position is bilingual and requires duties to be done in both English and Spanish. Job offer will be contingent upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements of the position.
? *Bilingual differential pay is provided to positions that require to use a language other than English to fulfill their job duties within their position. Bilingual differential pay is 5% of the employee's base pay.

We are committed to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and 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.

In this role you will aid individual and families seeking services for our agency programs and resources. This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies. These positions are in our Virtual Eligibility Center (VEC) and assist Oregonians over the phone. The successful candidates may be approved to telework after training is completed. Training in-office will be required during trial service with an 8am-5pm work schedule in one of our Eugene/Springfield, OR branch locations. Teleworking staff will be required to come into the office on occasion for on-going trainings, meetings, and reviews.

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!

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.)

Essential attributes:

We are looking for candidates with:
? Experience in a social/human service setting interviewing customers by phone to elicit pertinent information to help determine eligibility.
? Ability to work well and thrive in a team environment, cooperating with the team to make joint decisions in support of the department mission.
? Ability to work objectively and in a supportive way with people under emotional and financial stress and from a variety of cultures.
? Ability to accurately complete highly technical and detailed work using various computer programs in a fast-paced team environment.
? Ability to professionally interact with a high volume of diverse customers communicating decisions regarding the approval or denial of benefits or services that exceeds the customers? expectations.
? Ability to interpret and apply federal and state rules, regulations, policies, and procedures for government assistance programs.

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

The Self Sufficiency Offices help with food benefits (SNAP), cash for families (TANF), childcare assistance (ERDC), medical, refugee services, and domestic violence.

As a Benefit and Eligibility Worker, you will:
? Determine initial and ongoing eligibility for TANF, SNAP, Medical, Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) Financial Eligibility, Medicare, Domestic Violence and Employment Related Day Care.
? Interview applicants by phone to gather information needed to assess and determine if there is a need for services and benefits.
? You will update narrative reports by summarizing new information from the client and collateral sources.
? Other duties as assigned.

Working conditions
? Experience constant contact with the public, including contact with and possibly de-escalating customers experiencing emotional and financial stress.
? Experience high volume of computer work, using various computer programs in a fast-paced team environment.
? Priorities and procedures may change daily and requires the ability to be flexible in application of procedures.
? Valid driver?s license or other acceptable method of transportation.
? This position requires long periods of sitting.

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.
? Provide 3 professional references with 1 being your most recent supervisor.
? 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

. * 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. ? A valid driver?s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position. ? Other duties as assigned.

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

page. * If you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have questions or need assistance with the application process, please contact
? Please be sure to include the job requisition number.

Expected salary:

Location: Cottage Grove, OR

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