Public Benefits Specialist, Entry

State of Oregon

4d•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! 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 Public Benefits Specialist Entry, you will work in our John Day office assisting Oregonians in-person. John Day is in rural Eastern Oregon. Travel between offices is an essential function of this role, including providing coverage for the Burns office when required. 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 individuals and 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 Oregon Eligibility application process, 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 Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP).

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.
Demonstrated ability to adapt communication styles to effectively convey complex rules, regulations, and procedures to diverse audiences.
Proficient in navigating various digital platforms, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, and online search tools.
Experienced in accurately entering and verifying detailed data.
Experience providing customer service serving a diverse clientele.
Demonstrated expertise in supporting customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.
Requires a valid driver’s license or other acceptable method of transportation.

Responsibilities

Be the first face of contact in most field offices for Oregonians and provide a welcoming environment for individuals and 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 Oregon Eligibility application process, 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.