Public Benefits Specialist, Entry - Bilingual Preferred (English & Spanish)

State of Oregon•Oregon City, OR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to equity and diversity, encouraging applications from historically underrepresented groups. This entry-level Public Benefits Specialist role offers an opportunity to positively impact Oregonians in need of support and resources, working with a diverse team dedicated to serving children, families, and communities. The position involves creating a welcoming environment, handling phone inquiries, managing database tasks, processing administrative eligibility tasks in the One System, and explaining procedures for applying for benefits, providing documentation, and requesting grievances or hearings. Specialists will perform activities requiring independent judgment to make decisions based on laws, rules, policies, and procedures within programs such as TANF, SNAP, ERDC, TA-DVS, and medical, as well as screening eligibility for all ODHS programs.

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.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a constant and ever changing work environment.
Has some skills using computer and program applications.
Maintain effective, professional and courteous, working relationships, with co-workers, supervisors and public.
Experience working with individuals of a diverse population and communicating effectively.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in Spanish and English.

Responsibilities

Create a welcoming environment for the public with friendly, respectful, professional, and courteous service.
Answer phones with appropriate phone system when covering phones, including answering client’s questions regarding programs and case specific information.
Input of incoming tasks into database and create working batches.
Process administrative tasks in One System related to eligibility.
Explain procedures, including such things as applying for benefits, providing documentation, and requesting grievance or hearings.
Perform specialized activities requiring independent judgment to make decisions or select a course of action based on laws, rules, policies, and procedures within TANF, SNAP, ERDC, or TA-DVS and medical.
Screen eligibility potential for all ODHS programs and provide applicants with procedural information to apply for said programs.