Public Benefits Specialist - Entry | Bilingual Required English/Spanish
About The Position
The Oregon Department of Human Services is hiring a bilingual English- and Spanish-speaking Public Benefits Specialist - Entry for its Northeast Portland office on NE Killingsworth Street. The position supports the Self-Sufficiency Program and helps Oregonians access services that promote equity and well-being. The specialist serves as a welcoming first point of contact for visitors, supports daily office operations, and assists customers in person and by phone with questions and concerns, including help using the online Oregon Eligibility application system for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority, and Department of Early Learning and Care programs. Services are provided through a trauma-informed lens. The role may also include financial duties such as tracking, issuing, and accounting for financial actions and requirements, as well as other office business functions. This is a permanent, full-time position represented by the Service Employees International Union. The work is performed in a storefront office on a traditional Monday–Friday schedule, with frequent public contact, high-volume computer work, and changing priorities and procedures. A speaking test is required to assess English and Spanish proficiency; successful candidates receive a 5% bilingual differential. The listed salary range is $3,798–$4,954 per month before any applicable PERS-related adjustment.
Requirements
- Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, demonstrated by passing a speaking test.
- Two years of experience in a reception area or call center interviewing to obtain information or providing customer service, involving high-volume work such as data entry, checking applications for completeness and accuracy, or completing necessary documents; or an associate degree in Behavioral Science, Social Science, or a closely related field and six months of relevant reception-area or call-center experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- Experience providing front-line customer service to a diverse clientele.
- Ability to adapt communication styles to explain complex rules, regulations, and procedures to diverse audiences.
- Skill in handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information.
- Proficiency with digital platforms such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, and online search tools.
- Experience accurately entering and verifying detailed data, with attention to precision and quality control.
- Ability to support customers experiencing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.
- May require a valid driver's license or another acceptable method of transportation.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a welcoming first point of contact for Oregonians in field offices.
- Support the day-to-day operation and infrastructure of the office.
- Assist Oregonians in person and by phone with questions and concerns, including support using the online Oregon Eligibility application system for ODHS, OHA, and DELC programs.
- Assist customers using a trauma-informed approach.
- May track, issue, and account for financial actions and requirements.
- Provide support for office business functions.
Benefits
- ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
- Cost of Living Adjustments.
- Annual salary increases until the top of the listed salary range is reached.
- Amazing benefits package.
- Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
- 5% bilingual differential pay after passing the required proficiency tests.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
