Benefit & Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist), Bilingual Required; English/Russian

Initial Posting Date:

12/18/2025

Application Deadline:

12/28/2025

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

4,409.00 - 5,842.00

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Benefit & Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist), Bilingual Required; English/Russian

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!

Imagine being the lifeline for families in need, ensuring they receive the essential services that can transform their lives – This is the vital role of a Benefit & Eligibility Worker, where your commitment to fostering well-being and stability shapes the future of communities across the state. 

Bilingual Required: English & Russian

• This position is bilingual and requires duties to be carried out in both English and Russian.

• 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.

Summary of Duties

As a Benefit & Eligibility worker you will:

Determine Program Eligibility which includes;

• Conducting phone or in person interviews to gather household details, income, resources and other key information to assess their needs.

• Conduct collateral interviews or review supplemental materials as needed to make eligibility determination for applicable ODHS programs. 

• Use relevant forms, computer systems, and tools to determine eligibility at intake, during benefit renewals, and when recipients report household changes. 

• Explain applicant rights and responsibilities during the initial application interview and when benefits are changed and renewed. 

• Process data in a timely manner to ensure delivery of benefits and services.

Provide triage, information, and referrals to include:

• Work closely and collaboratively with Oregonians, other agencies, medical providers, and community partners to provide benefits, services, and information. 

• In supporting Oregonians, provide person-centered services with a trauma-informed approach to identify needs. 

Minimum Qualifications    

Bilingual in English and Russian; The job offer will be contingent upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements of the position.

• One year of experience working at the Human Services Specialist 1 level for the State of Oregon; OR

• Two 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 cl