Public Benefits Specialist, Entry - Bilingual Required English/Spanish
About The Position
Note: Effective Feb. 1, 2026, the compensation plan for this position will be increased to reflect a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%. The salary listed in this posting does not reflect the COLA. 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. Bilingual Required – English & Spanish To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in English & Spanish. The job offer will be contingent upon passing speaking and writing tests evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements for this position. Upon passing the tests, you will receive 5% bilingual differential pay. Opportunity awaits! Step into a role where your efforts directly empower Oregonians to rise above poverty—become a key player in the Self-Sufficiency Program and facilitate access to vital services that foster equity and well-being. As a Public Benefits Specialist Entry , you will work in The Dalles office assisting Oregonians in-person. Summary of Duties As a Public Benefits Specialist Entry , you will: 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 in person, by phone or email to resolve any questions or concerns by providing support with the online Oregon Eligibility system, for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs . 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. Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the Self-Sufficiency Program (SSP).
Requirements
- To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in Spanish and English.
- 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 supporting customers or clients by answering questions about programs, services, and individual cases.
- Experience providing timely, accurate information in a customer‑service environment.
- Proven ability to learn and apply new or updated policies, procedures, systems, and programs in daily work.
- Experience providing customer service serving a diverse clientele.
- Skilled in handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information.
- Proficient in navigating various digital platforms, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, and online search tools.
- Demonstrated expertise in supporting customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.
Responsibilities
- 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 in person, by phone or email to resolve any questions or concerns by providing support with the online Oregon Eligibility system, for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs .
- 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.
- Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the Self-Sufficiency Program (SSP).
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
