Public Benefits Specialist - Entry | Bilingual Required - English/Chuukese!

State of Oregon • Portland, OR

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist - Entry to join their Self-Sufficiency Program. This role is crucial in empowering Oregonians to overcome poverty by facilitating access to vital services that promote equity and well-being. The position is based in the Southeast Portland office on Malden Street, where the specialist will assist Oregonians in person. The department emphasizes equity, diversity, and a positive organizational culture, encouraging applications from historically underrepresented groups.

Requirements

• Must be bilingual in Chuukese 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.
• Extensive experience providing front-line customer service in a high-volume reception or front desk environment.
• Proven ability to adapt communication styles to effectively convey complex rules, regulations, and procedures into plan language to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated expertise in supporting customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.
• Experienced in accurately entering and verifying detailed data.
• Skilled in handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information.
• Proficient in navigating various digital platforms, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, and online search tools.

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.
• Provide in‑person, phone, and email assistance to Oregonians, helping resolve questions and guiding them through 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.
• May include financial desk responsibilities.
• Providing support for the business functions within the office.

Benefits

• 5% bilingual differential pay
• 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 .

What This Job Offers

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