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. 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-person in our Portland Branch (NE Glisan Street) assisting Oregonians.
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 delivering customer service to a diverse customer base.
- Demonstrated experience completing work that requires attention to detail and obligations with deadlines.
- Demonstrated experience adapting communication styles to the intended audience while explaining complex rules, regulations, or procedures.
- Experience navigating online systems, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email, and search engines.
- Experience collecting and safe-guarding confidential and sensitive information.
- Experience demonstrating compassion and patience will assisting customers experiencing financial lor emotional stress in a professional environment.
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.
- May include financial desk responsibilities.
- 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).
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
Number of Employees
501-1,000 employees
