Benefits Support Staff (Public Benefits Specialist - Entry)
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. Special Note: This is a traveling position based in La Grande and will travel throughout the district to provide in-person coverage in the other offices as needed. District 13 has offices in Baker, Union, and Wallowa Counties. Opportunity awaits! Step into a role where your efforts directly empower Oregonians to rise above poverty—become a key player in the Oregon Eligibility Partnership and facilitate access to vital services that foster equity and well-being. As a Benefits Support Staff (Public Benefits Specialist – Entry), you will work in our La Grande office assisting Oregonians in-person. La Grande is in rural Eastern Oregon.
Requirements
- A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.
- 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.
- Experience providing front-line customer service in a high-volume, fast-paced environment, serving a diverse clientele.
- Experience in handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information with integrity and discretion.
- Experience adapting communication styles to effectively convey complex rules, regulations, and procedures to diverse audiences.
- Experience navigating various digital platforms, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, and online search tools.
- Experience accurately entering and verifying detailed data.
- Experience in supporting customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.
Responsibilities
- Travel throughout the district to provide in-person coverage in the other offices as needed.
- Be the first face of contact in most field offices for Oregonians and provide a welcoming environment for families to interact with the department.
- Support the infrastructure of the office by supporting the day-to-day operation.
- Assist Oregonians by providing support with the online Oregon Eligibility system, for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs in person, by phone or email to resolve any questions or concerns.
- Assisting Oregonians through a trauma informed lens.
- Financial duties that include tracking, issuing, and accounting for all financial actions and requirements needed.
- Providing support for the business functions within the office.
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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
