Public Benefits Specialist Jobs
Public Benefits Specialist jobs are open across government agencies, nonprofits, and healthcare organizations, at every level from entry-level case aide to senior specialist, with specializations in Medicaid enrollment, SNAP administration, and housing assistance programs. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 31+ Public Benefits Specialist jobs
Initial Posting Date:
11/12/2026Application Deadline:
11/22/2026Agency:
Department of Human ServicesSalary Range:
$4,519 - $5,988Position Type:
EmployeePosition Title:
Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist)Job Description:
Job Posting
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 a guiding light for those in need. As an Eligibility Worker (Public Benefit Specialist), you have an opportunity to embrace diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect as you build trust during difficult moments. Make a difference in people's lives while nurturing your career.
Summary of Duties
As an Eligibility Worker, you will:
- Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, and periodic reviews.
- Conduct interviews with applicants applying for benefits.
- Communicate eligibility decisions to applicants.
- Provide person-centered services with a trauma-informed approach to identify needs.
- Be responsible for accurate and timely eligibility determinations across the state.
- Create a work environment where everyone feels welcomed, appreciated and valued.
- Participate in professional development opportunities and ongoing education of cultural awareness.
Minimum Qualifications
A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this 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 closely related field AND six months of experience working with the public, providing assistance and interpreting and applying policies, rules, or guidelines; OR
- An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience relative to the class concept.
Essential Attributes
We are looking for candidates with:
- Experience reviewing documents and entering information into multiple systems with accuracy.
- Experience navigating multiple software programs and web-based platforms to cross reference or verify information.
- Experience explaining complex information verbally and in writing to diverse audiences in a culturally responsive manner.
- Experience prioritizing tasks and managing workloads to consistently meet deadlines in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
- Experience building trust-based relationships and adapting to changing priorities collaboratively as a team.
Working Conditions
- Work will take place in offices, participants' homes, and various community sites.
- Occasional travel within the community is required for supporting eligibility.
- The work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm PT, with possible fluctuations based on service needs.
- You may interact with individuals experiencing trauma or emotional distress. There may be times when individuals have difficulties with managing their emotional responses.
- You may meet situations requiring quick decision-making to ensure your safety or the safety of others.
Attention all candidates! Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history.
- Your application materials are used to determine your starting salary range. Please ensure that all education and experience you would like considered are included in your application materials. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. You can attach multiple files in this area at once.
- The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process. If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is listed as a minimum qualification for the position, please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification.
Background Checks and Requirements
- If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information.
- 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.
Benefits
- ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
- Cost of Living Adjustments.
- Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
- Amazing benefits package.
- Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Employment Preference
Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard preference:
- Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.
General Information
- This is a permanent, full-time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
- This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.
Contact Information
Please contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and application or Job-specific questions.
Please include the job requisition number: REQ-209694.
- Recruiter: Amanda Alvarado.
- Email: AMANDA.K.ALVARADO@odhs.oregon.gov
- Phone (call or text): 541-709-8695.
Public Benefits Specialist Jobs by Experience Level
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Find JobsPublic Benefits Specialist Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Government & Public Sector
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in public benefits specialist jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, or a closely related field
- Experience determining eligibility for public assistance programs such as Medicaid or SNAP
- Proficiency with case management software and electronic benefits systems
- Knowledge of federal and state benefit regulations and eligibility criteria
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for client intake and documentation
- Bilingual ability in Spanish or another language spoken by the local client population
Tips for Your Public Benefits Specialist Job Search
Tailor your resume to program names
List the specific benefit programs you've worked with by name, such as Medicaid, TANF, or SNAP. Hiring managers scan for program familiarity fast, and generic terms like 'government assistance' don't tell them what you actually know.
Highlight your case management caseload size
Agencies want to know you can handle volume. Quantify the number of clients or cases you managed at once, the documentation systems you used, and how quickly you processed determinations without sacrificing accuracy.
Get your CWEB or AIRS certification lined up
Certifications like Certified Welfare and Eligibility Professional or AIRS credentials signal readiness for eligibility-heavy roles. If you're mid-process, list the certification as 'in progress' with an expected completion date on your resume.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists public benefits specialist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare scenario answers around difficult client situations
Interviewers for these roles lean heavily on behavioral questions about de-escalation, language barriers, and denials. Prepare two or three specific examples where you guided a client through a complicated eligibility outcome or an appeal.
Negotiate start date around benefits enrollment cycles
Many county and state agencies open enrollment on fixed calendars. If you're negotiating a start date, ask whether onboarding aligns with the next training cohort, since some agencies only hire in cohort batches tied to enrollment periods.
Public Benefits Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most public benefits specialists?
State of Washington, Department of Human Services, and Acrisure are hiring the most public benefits specialists right now, with openings concentrated in Oregon, Washington, and New York, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. County human services departments and large Medicaid managed care organizations tend to post the highest volume of openings consistently.
How many public benefits specialist jobs are remote?
About 73% of public benefits specialist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, though the share varies significantly by employer type. Roles focused on telephone-based eligibility screening, benefits counseling, and enrollment support tend to be the most available in remote or hybrid formats, while in-person client intake positions remain largely on-site.
How do you become a public benefits specialist?
Start by earning a bachelor's degree in social work, human services, public administration, or a related field. Gain direct experience through internships or entry-level roles at a county human services agency, nonprofit, or community health organization. Familiarize yourself with the federal and state regulations that govern programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF. Some employers also value certifications in eligibility determination or benefits counseling, which you can pursue through professional associations in the social services field.
Can I get a public benefits specialist job with little experience?
Yes, many agencies hire entry-level candidates with a relevant degree and limited direct experience. Volunteering at a food bank, legal aid clinic, or community benefits enrollment event counts as hands-on exposure. Emphasize any coursework in social policy, client services, or case management. Some county agencies also run structured training programs for new hires with no prior eligibility determination background, so targeting those employers specifically is a practical route in.
What does the public benefits specialist interview process look like?
Most employers start with a phone screen focused on your familiarity with specific benefit programs and your experience working with low-income or vulnerable populations. A panel interview typically follows, with scenario-based questions about eligibility decisions, client conflict, and documentation under time pressure. Some agencies require a written assessment or a timed data-entry exercise to evaluate accuracy. Final steps often include a background check and reference verification before an offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to public benefits specialist jobs?
You can find and apply to public benefits specialist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Find roles that match your experience and location, then apply directly to each listing from the page.
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