Public Benefits Specialist-Entry | Bilingual Required English/Spanish
About The Position
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) Hood River team is seeking a talented individual who is dedicated to providing quality customer service through a trauma informed lens. This is a meaningful career that serves Oregon’s most vulnerable community members. As a Public Benefits Specialist-Entry, you will work in The Dalles office assisting Oregonians in-person. Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) is a program within ODHS that determines eligibility for people living in Oregon who apply for medical, food, cash and childcare benefits through the ONE eligibility system. OEP plays a critical part of the eligibility process that moves beyond integration and equality, to focus on equity of services and providing timely, accurate, and necessary eligibility determinations through a person-centered approach.
Requirements
- Must be bilingual in Spanish and English.
- 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 a Behavioral Science, Social Science or a closely related field AND six (6) 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 handling confidential information with unwavering professionalism, holding self and others to high standards of honesty and integrity.
- Intermediate computer proficiency with online research tools, digital communication and appointment scheduling.
- Experience adapting communication style to explain complex processes and/or outcomes to people with diverse communication and learning styles.
- Experience providing services or resources with respect and compassion to community members who have historically been marginalized, underserved, in crisis, or disadvantaged.
- Experience accurately applying complex rules and policies to various types of cases or circumstances.
Responsibilities
- Provide in‑person 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.
- Be the first face of contact in the office 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.
- Assisting Oregonians through a trauma informed lens in person, over the phone and via email.
- May include financial desk responsibilities.
- Providing support for the business functions within the office.
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
