Public Benefits Specialist - Entry - Bilingual Required English/Spanish!
About The Position
The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist - Entry level to join their Self-Sufficiency Program in the Hood River office. This role is crucial in empowering Oregonians to overcome poverty by facilitating access to vital services that promote equity and well-being. As an entry-level specialist, you will be the primary point of contact for individuals and families interacting with the department, assisting them in person, by phone, or email. You will help resolve questions and concerns related to applications for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs, always with a trauma-informed approach. Financial duties include tracking, issuing, and accounting for financial actions and requirements. This position supports the day-to-day operations of the office and contributes to the business functions within the department.
Requirements
- Must be bilingual in English and Spanish, with employment contingent upon passing a speaking assessment.
- Two years of experience working in a reception area or call center either interviewing to obtain information or providing customer service, involving 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 supporting customers or clients by answering questions about programs, services, and individual cases.
- Experience providing timely, accurate information in a customer-service environment.
- Proven ability to learn and apply new or updated policies, procedures, systems, and programs in daily work.
- Experience providing customer service serving a diverse clientele.
- 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.
- Demonstrated expertise in supporting customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the first point of contact for Oregonians in field offices, providing a welcoming environment.
- Support the day-to-day operations and infrastructure of the office.
- Assist Oregonians in person, by phone, or email with questions and concerns regarding the Oregon Eligibility application for ODHS, OHA, and DELC programs.
- Provide assistance with a trauma-informed lens.
- Perform financial duties including tracking, issuing, and accounting for all financial actions and requirements.
- Provide support for the business functions within the office.
- Facilitate access to vital services through the Self-Sufficiency Program (SSP).
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
