Public Benefits Specialist - Entry | Bilingual Preferred English/Spanish
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 Preferred – English & Spanish You do not need to be bilingual to apply for or be considered for this position. If you are bilingual, we encourage you to apply! We serve diverse communities and recognize the importance of serving people in their preferred language. If interested in using your bilingual language skills, upon passing the test, 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 our 5 Oak Portland office on SW 5th Avenue assisting Oregonians in-person. We are centrally located in downtown Portland, with easy access to multiple bus and light-rail (MAX) lines. Parking may be available through a post-tax payroll deduction at the market rate. Our address is 290 SW 5th Avenue. Portland, OR 97204.
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.
- Experience providing front-line customer service serving a diverse clientele.
- Demonstrated expertise in supporting customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.
- Demonstrated ability to adapt communication styles to effectively convey complex rules, regulations, and procedures to diverse audiences.
- Skilled in handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information.
- Experienced in accurately entering and verifying detailed data with a strong focus on precision and quality control.
- Must complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States within three days of hire.
- May require a valid driver’s license or other acceptable method of transportation.
Nice To Haves
- Bilingual in Spanish and English.
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, including providing agency forms and directing Oregonians to appropriate services or resources.
- Assist Oregonians by providing support in person, over the phone and by email to resolve any questions or concerns with the application for Oregon Eligibility system, for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs.
- Schedule intake appointments for Oregonians seeking assistance.
- Assisting Oregonians through a trauma informed lens – creating a welcoming environment for the public.
- Financial duties that may 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
- 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.
- ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
- Pre-tax commuter benefit plan.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
