Benefits Support Staff (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry) | Bilingual English/Spanish preferred

State of Oregon•Tigard, OR

6d•Onsite

About The Position

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 ! Empower Individuals & Families—Support, Guide, and Make an Impact! Join our team and help individuals and families navigate essential services with expertise and care. This role is key in ensuring smooth program operations, sharing vital policies, and providing specialized support to staff and management. If you are detail-oriented and passionate about making a difference, this is the opportunity for you! We are looking for a Benefits Support Staff ( Public Benefits Specialist – Entry) | English/Spanish preferred to join our dedicated Oregon Eligibility Program (OEP) Team in Tigard. English/Spanish preferred: You do not need to be bilingual to apply or be considered for this position. If you are bilingual, we encourage you to apply! We serve diverse communities and recognize the importance of serving people in their preferred language. Together, we can create lasting change! Summary of Duties The Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) is part of the Oregon Department of Human Services . Oregon Eligibility Partnership provides direction and support to state staff working to determine eligibility for people applying for and receiving medical, food, cash and childcare benefits. It also manages the ONE Eligibility System used to process applications and deliver benefits to eligible individuals and families in Oregon. OEP operates based on the principles of service equity, customer service, cons istency and operational efficiency. OEP administers the ONE Eligibility system in partnership with the Oregon Health Authority ( OHA ) and the Department of Early Learning and Care ( DELC ). As a Benefits Support Staff , you will provide:

Requirements

Two years of experience working in a reception area or call center either interviewing to obtain information or providing customer service. This experience must have involved a high volume of work (e.g., data entry, assuring information on applications is complete and accurate, completing necessary documents, etc.); OR
An associate degree in a Behavioral Science, Social Science or a closely related field AND six months of experience working in a busy reception area or call center either interviewing to obtain information or providing customer service; OR
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience relative to the class concept.

Nice To Haves

Experience engaging with the community, assessing resources and services, and supporting a diverse population.
Experience effectively communicating, managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, and maintaining attention to detail.
Experience navigating evolving policies and procedures while demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning.
Experience actively implementing equitable practices and applying diversity, equity, and inclusion principles effectively.
Experience analyzing, applying, and effectively communicating rules and regulations.
Experience explaining complex information such as rules and procedures to clients and adapting your communication style to explain to groups who are unfamiliar with the subject and/or learn and communicate differently than you.
Experience resolving conflicts/disputes with clients in a way that demonstrates active listening and compassion.

Responsibilities

Administrative Duties/Customer Service: Work in office reception area and create a welcoming environment for the public with friendly, respectful, professional, and courteous service. Respond to in-person, phone email and mail client inquiries regarding ODHS programs and services. Receive and review incoming applications and documents, mail, faxes and emails.
Eligibility Support: Complete initial case screening to determine prior and/or current case history and enter new application information. Perform basic case updates such as changes in contact information, health care provider preference and demographics, as well as notating case information into databases. Explain agency notices, case status information and benefit issuances as requested by clients. Activate and issue/mail out EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards to qualifying clients.
Eligibility Screening: Complete initial computer screening to determine prior case history or current eligibility. Screen eligibility potential for all ODHS programs and provide applicants with procedural information to apply for said programs.