VEC Benefit & Eligibility Worker (Human Services Specialist 3) [United States]

 

Initial Posting Date:

06/23/2023

Application Deadline:

07/13/2023

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Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$3,265 - $4,913

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

VEC Benefit & Eligibility Worker (Human Services Specialist 3)

Job Description:

Position Title: VEC Benefit & Eligibility Worker (Human Services Specialist 3)

Accepting applications: June 23rd, 2023 – July 13th, 2023

Monthly Salary Range: $3,265 - $4,913

Location: Hood River or The Dalles (final candidate to choose primary office location)

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.

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.

Join our eligibility team in Hood River or The Dalles!

Do you want the opportunity to positively impact the lives of Oregonians in need of resources to achieve well-being? 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 Office of Self Sufficiency, which is part of the Oregon Department of Human Services, is looking for a talented individual to serve as a Benefit and Eligibility Worker at our Virtual Eligibility Center (VEC). In this role you will be part of a team that provides assistance and conducts interviews to determine eligibility for Oregonians seeking services from our agency.

If you have bilingual language skills, you are encouraged to apply! All languages are welcomed and utilized to better serve our Oregonians 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. Please note, bilingual language skills are not required for this position.

Self-Sufficiency Programs Mission:

To provide a safety net, family stability and a connection to careers that guide Oregonians out of poverty. The Self Sufficiency offices help with food benefits (SNAP), cash for families (TANF), childcare assistance (ERDC), medical programs, refugee services, and domestic violence services.

Summary of duties:

As a Benefit & Eligibility Worker in the Virtual Eligibility Center (VEC), you will play a critical role in providing a safety net that supports better outcomes for Oregonians. You will connect with Oregonians virtually to provide resources that support family stability and will also assist in connecting Oregonians to careers. You will determine eligibility for people applying to various Self-Sufficiency Programs through interviewing, gathering and assessing information.

Minimum qualifications / 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). A photocopy of your transcripts must be attached to your application materials if using college courses to meet the minimum qualifications.

Essential Attributes: Be sure to clearly describe how you meet these attributes within your application materials.

• Excellent customer service skills, to include exceptional communication skills while interacting with the public, coworkers, and managers.
• Possess technical skills that include basic computer and search engine knowledge, ability to produce effective written communications, such as email, texts, reports, etc.
• Ability to complete tasks, duties, projects, and obligations with deadlines, that produce high-quality results. Experience prioritizing a high-volume workload.
• Ability to learn and articulate complex laws, rules, and policies in a customer-focused manner, to a non-technical audience.

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

Working conditions:

• Work schedule is Monday – Friday, 9am – 6pm or 10am – 7pm. During training, the work schedule will be 8am – 5pm.
• Hybrid or remote schedule may be considered when filling this position. Any hybrid or remote work will be conducted locally. The ability to report to the local office is required when training, business or operational needs are dependent on onsite activities.
• Selected candidate will have a choice between two locations for their primary office: Hood River or The Dalles ODHS branch offices.
• 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.
• Will require sitting at a computer or telephone for prolonged periods of the workday.
• Experience high volume of computer work, using various computer programs in a fast-paced environment.
• Priorities and procedures may change daily and require the ability to be flexible in application of procedures.

How to apply:

• 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. 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.
• May require a valid driver’s license or other acceptable 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 or 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), please contact

  dhs.recruitment@odhsoha.oregon.gov

  .
• If you have questions or need assistance with the application process, reach out to Alissa Walker via email at

  ALISSA.WALKER@odhs

  .oregon.gov or via phone at 503-519-1807. Please be sure to include the job requisition number when you reach out.

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

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