VEC Benefit and Eligibility Worker (Human Services Specialist 3)

 

Initial Posting Date:

06/29/2023

Application Deadline:

07/09/2023

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Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$3,265 - $4,913

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

VEC Benefit and Eligibility Worker (Human Services Specialist 3)

Job Description:

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

Applications accepted: June 29th, 2023 – July 9th, 2023

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

Location: Madras Virtual Eligibility Center (VEC); hybrid in-office and local telework

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

  ODHS

  , you join a community of over 11,000 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 Madras!

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. In this role you will be part of a team that provides assistance and conducts interviews virtually and over the phone to determine eligibility for Oregonians seeking services from our agency.

This position is in our Madras Virtual Eligibility Center (VEC) and is a hybrid telework position. An initial 9 month in-office training will occur before transitioning to hybrid telework. Hybrid positions primarily complete their work remotely in proximity to the Madras ODHS office. Employees must be able to report to this office location timely for on-site trainings, meetings and as operational needs require.

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.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION SESSION:

If you are interested in hearing more about this position, other positions within ODHS in Central Oregon, benefits, career advancement opportunities and important tips for submitting an application, you are welcome to join an informational meeting via Teams. Some of our staff will be there to share information and answer questions. This is not part of the interview process and is open to the public.

• First Monday of every month from 4 to 5 pm PST. Join on your computer or mobile app

  Click here to join the meeting

  Or call in (audio only) +1 971-277-2343,,387820144# United States, Portland
• Third Monday of every month from 4 to 5 pm PST. Join on your computer or mobile app

  Click here to join the meeting

  Or call in (audio only) +1 971-277-2343,,270032421# United States, Portland

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.

Working conditions:

• The initial training work schedule will be Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm. Thereafter, the ongoing work schedule will be either 7:50am - 4:50pm or 8:05am - 5:05pm.
• While this position is not remote, staff may be approved to telework locally after training and trial service periods have been successfully completed. Teleworking staff must report to the office timely for ongoing trainings, meetings, reviews and as business needs require.
• 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.

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: Please be sure to clearly describe how you meet these attributes within your application materials.

• Computer skills: Adept in usage and functionality of computers, web browsers, and Microsoft programs such as Excel spreadsheets. Ability to learn and use multiple systems in tandem for research, tracking and financial eligibility.
• Dedication to teamwork: Demonstrated commitment to developing relationships that establish trust, approachability, and collaboration amongst individuals with diverse learning and communication styles. Inclusive and respectful of others’ contributions and ideas.
• Adaptable/ongoing learner: An avid learner with demonstrated ability to apply lessons-learned to varying environments and situations; welcome constructive feedback and suggestions to strengthen work performance.
• Customer Service: Calm, professional demeanor that delivers quality customer service daily by telephone, in writing or in person. Ability to demonstrate active listening and compassion to serve diverse customer needs.
• Application of laws, rules, & policies: Ability to learn and accurately apply complex laws, rules, and policies to various types of cases or circumstances.
• Managing high volume of work: Ability to complete tasks, duties, projects, and obligations with deadlines, that produce high-quality results.

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.

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.
• The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect the additional 6.95%. Please review the

  Classification and Compensation

  page for more details, or you may

  visit our website

  for information on Pay Equity.
• 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), 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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