Public Benefits Specialist, Entry – Bilingual Required (English & Chinese/Mandarin)

State of Oregon • Clackamas | DHS, OR

2d • $3,798 - $4,954 • 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. Bilingual requirement English & Chinese/Mandarin/Cantonese. This position requires duties to be completed in both English & Chinese/Mandarin. The job offer will be contingent upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements of the position. This position may receive a 5% differential pay based on passing the required language test. Opportunity awaits! Are you an equity-minded professional with heart? Do you enjoy people, problem solving, and working with others to create a positive, productive and inclusive workplace? If so, keep reading - we may have your ideal job!

Requirements

• Bilingual in Chinese Mandarin 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 proactively understanding customer needs, providing accurate and timely information, maintaining a positive attitude, and contributing to high-quality customer experience.
• Experience communicating policies, procedures, and program information clearly and respectfully to diverse customers in a manner that supports understanding, access to services, and positive customer experiences.
• Experience protecting the privacy and dignity of clients by accurately documenting services, securely storing records, and maintaining confidentiality when sharing information with colleagues, supervisors, and community partners.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, fostering inclusive and equitable relationships.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record to use state vehicles.

Nice To Haves

• Equity-minded professional with heart.
• Enjoys people, problem solving, and working with others to create a positive, productive and inclusive workplace.

Responsibilities

• Schedule interview, home visit, referral appointments.
• Set up and maintain appointment schedules for multiple workers.
• Provide forms to customers to apply for or receive services either from SSP or a contract/community partner.
• Review applicant documents for completeness (including needed verification), for TANF, ERDC and SNAP to ensure all questions have been answered; including applications received online, electronically and in paper format.
• Screening may include a brief interview with customers to identify their situation as well as checking mandatory system and narrative screens.
• May schedule appointments with appropriate workers in alignment with branch protocol.
• Answer phones with appropriate phone system when covering phones, including answering client’s questions regarding programs and case specific information.
• Input of incoming tasks into database and create working batches.
• Process administrative tasks in One System related to eligibility.
• Explain procedures, including such things as applying for benefits, providing documentation, and requesting grievance or hearings.
• Other duties as assigned.

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.
• Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard preference: Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree