Public Benefits Specialist Entry, (Public Benefits Specialist Entry)

State of Oregon•Milwaukie, OR

1d•$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. Our vision is that Oregon’s older adults, people with disabilities and their families experience person-centered services, supports and early interventions that are innovative and help maintain independence, promote safety and well-being, honor choice, respect cultural preferences and uphold dignity. The services provided help people access the supports they need to live their best lives — in the communities they choose and at every stage of life. Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the Aging & People with Disabilities Programs (APD). We are currently seeking a Public Benefits Specialist Entry; you will join our Aging & People with Disabilities (APD) team in our office in Milwaukie, Oregon. Opportunity awaits! Are you looking to make a difference in people's lives? Do you want to learn and grow professionally while experiencing meaningful work? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

Requirements

Two (2) 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 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.
A cover letter is required. Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history.
Please upload a resume or complete the work history profile. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is listed as a minimum qualification for the position, please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process.
The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification.
The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.
If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information.
The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.
Driver Record Screening: As part of the pre-employment background check, applicants may be asked to complete a driving record review. A driving record that does not meet agency standards will not, by itself, disqualify an applicant from employment when driving is not an essential function of the position

Nice To Haves

Experience providing customer service to vulnerable communities that are person centered and trauma informed.
Demonstrates curiosity, humility, and willingness to learn from people with diverse identities, cultural histories, lived experiences, and worldviews.
Demonstrates respect, empathy, and professionalism in all interactions, regardless of differences, stress, or conflict.
Consistently answers calls immediately, triages needs efficiently, and seamlessly manages multiple tasks without loss of accuracy or service quality.
Experience conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents.

Responsibilities

Be this first face of contact in the office by delivering professional, respectful, and culturally responsive customer service while fostering an inclusive, equitable, and discrimination-free environment for clients, coworkers, and community partners.
Manage administrative operations including but not limited to phone and email communications, mail processing, electronic records management, task tracking, meeting coordination, and data entry in agency systems.
Provide eligibility support by explaining benefits, notices, program requirements, application procedures, and available community resources, while maintaining accurate case documentation.
Apply agency policies, procedures, and regulations to make informed decisions, maintain case records, and ensure accurate and timely processing of client services.
Providing a safety net, family stability, and a connection to careers that guide Oregonians out of poverty.