Lead Worker - Benefit & Eligibility Specialist (Human Services Specialist 4) [United States]

 

Initial Posting Date:

06/20/2023

Application Deadline:

07/11/2023

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Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$3,707 - $5,657

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Lead Worker - Benefit & Eligibility Specialist (Human Services Specialist 4)

Job Description:

Advance your career with our District 9 Eligibility Team! You will have the option of working in either The Dalles or Hood River office!

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.

Do you enjoy helping your fellow peers resolve issues and serve as a resource for understanding and explaining policies and procedures? Do you find yourself mentoring, training, and guiding staff around you? Then this may be the position for you, and we invite you to apply today!

While this position does not require bilingual language skills, there is a need in the communities that we serve, and all are encouraged to apply. Do you have bilingual language skills in English and any language? Bilingual differential pay is provided to positions that require to use a language other than English to fulfill their job duties within their position.

We are seeking a Benefit & Eligibility Specialist (Lead Worker) to join The Dalles or Hood River Self Sufficiency team.

This position is in The Dalles/Hood River Office and supports the work of our Benefit & Eligibility Workers team throughout District 9. District 9 has offices in The Dalles, Hood River, Fossil, Condon and Moro. This is not a remote position.

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!
• If you have federal student loan debt or are thinking of going back to school, then you might benefit from the

  Student Loan Forgiveness Program

  . If you make 120 qualifying payments on your student loan while working full-time for a qualifying employer, your student loan debt may be forgiven.

What you need to qualify

• Two years of experience determining eligibility for an agency program (e.g., cash assistance, medical assistance, food stamps, etc.); with one of those year being:
• For CAF - One year of experience in SSP programs.
• For SDSD - One year of experience in APD programs.
• Individuals with bilingual language skills (English & another language) are encouraged to apply but is not a requirement for this position. Bilingual differential pay is contingent upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency in a language other than English.

This position supports and trains eligibility workers so please ensure you clearly meet the minimum requirements.

A complete (long version) resume or application with job duties for each role listed is the best way to show that you meet the minimum requirements or possess transferrable skills for this position. Your application or resume will also be used in determining what pay salary step you fall in with the pay equity assessment if you are the successful candidate.

Essential attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience in making decisions and resolving problems using independent judgment.
• Experience prioritizing and managing work time and efforts to accomplish both ongoing and emergent duties.
• Experience and knowledge referring community resources serving the needs of agency applicants and clients.
• Experience communicating clearly both in writing and verbally. Experience with various communication styles.
• Experience coaching staff or peers, including in an online environment.
• Experience providing internal and external customer service with diverse populations.
• Commitment to conducting work through an equity and trauma-informed lens.

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. Make sure to read the ‘How to Apply’ section for any other requirements.

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 services.

Self-Sufficiency Programs Mission:

To provide a safety net, family stability and a connection to careers that guide Oregonians out of poverty.

As a Lead Worker, you will:

The purpose of this position is to act as a resource to staff for policy and procedures, oversee the benefit and eligibility process ensuring that programs are determined correctly. This is accomplished through providing mentoring, coaching, training, and guidance to Benefit and Eligibility Workers. The Benefit and Eligibility Specialist functions as part of the leadership team, acts as a lead worker for staff, may act on behalf of the Branch Operations Manager in their absence, and is a resource when they are present.

Working conditions

• Work is conducted in offices and other program sites. This position is not remote.
• Work can require travel, including overnight.
• May require sitting at a terminal or telephone for prolonged periods of the workday.
• Job is fast paced with a high volume of client contact, keyboarding computer entry, and paperwork.
• May require a valid driver’s license or other acceptable method of transportation.
• May interact with clients who are under emotional or financial stress.

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.
• 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

  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. Applicants who require VISA sponsorship will not be considered at this time. 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 have a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record. If no driver's license, must be able to provide alternate method of transportation.

Helpful information

• This position is 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

  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

  . Please be sure to include the job requisition number.

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

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