Public Benefits Specialist, Entry (Bilingual English/Spanish Preferred)

State of Oregon

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Note: This position will receive a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), which is not reflected in the salary listed in this posting. The increase will be effective February 1, 2026, and will be reflected in paychecks beginning March 1, 2026. The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. You do not need to be bilingual to apply or be considered for this position. If you are bilingual, we encourage you to apply! We serve diverse communities and recognize the importance of serving people in their preferred language. Opportunity awaits! Step into a role where your efforts directly empower Oregonians to rise above poverty—become a key player in the Self-Sufficiency Program and facilitate access to vital services that foster equity and well-being. Summary of Duties As a Public Benefits Specialist, Entry you will: Administrative Duties/Customer Service: Create a welcoming environment for the public with friendly, respectful, professional, and courteous service. Managing incoming mail and multiple email accounts. Answer phones with appropriate phone system when covering phones. Including answering client’s questions in regard to programs and case specific information. Eligibility Support: Explain agency notices, case and benefit issuance stats as requested by clients. Explore alternative resources appropriate for any clientele in office or on phone. Maintain resource information and provide Oregonian’s directions to access services. Managing incoming mail and multiple email accounts. Answer phones with appropriate phone system when covering phones. Including answering client’s questions in regard to programs and case specific information. Eligibility Screening: Complete initial computer screening to determine prior case history or current eligibility. Screen eligibility potential for all ODHS programs and provide applicants with procedural information to apply for said 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.
Experience conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents.
Experience providing customer service serving a diverse clientele.
Demonstrated ability to adapt communication styles to effectively convey complex rules, regulations, and procedures to diverse audiences.
Skilled in handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information.

Nice To Haves

Preference will be given to bilingual candidates

Responsibilities

Create a welcoming environment for the public with friendly, respectful, professional, and courteous service.
Managing incoming mail and multiple email accounts.
Answer phones with appropriate phone system when covering phones. Including answering client’s questions in regard to programs and case specific information.
Explain agency notices, case and benefit issuance stats as requested by clients.
Explore alternative resources appropriate for any clientele in office or on phone.
Maintain resource information and provide Oregonian’s directions to access services.
Complete initial computer screening to determine prior case history or current eligibility.
Screen eligibility potential for all ODHS programs and provide applicants with procedural information to apply for said programs.