Public Benefits Specialist, Entry

State of Oregon

5d•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. Opportunity awaits! Empower Individuals & Families—Support, Guide, and Make an Impact! Join our team and help individuals and families navigate essential services with expertise and care. This role is key in ensuring smooth program operations, sharing vital policies, and providing specialized support to staff and management. If you are detail-oriented and passionate about making a difference, this is the opportunity for you! We are seeking a dedicated Public Benefit Specialist, Entry to join our Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) team in Tigard. Together, we can create lasting change! Summary of Duties The Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) is part of the Oregon Department of Human Services. OEP supports state staff who determine eligibility for people applying for and receiving medical, food, cash, and childcare benefits. It also manages the ONE Eligibility System used to process applications and deliver benefits to eligible individuals and families in Oregon. One in three people in Oregon receive benefits through the ONE Eligibility System. OEP administers the ONE Eligibility system in partnership with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC). As a Public Benefits Specialist, Entry you will provide: Administrative Duties/Customer Service: Work in office reception area and create a welcoming environment for the public with friendly, respectful, professional, and courteous service. Respond to in-person, phone email and mail client inquiries regarding ODHS programs and services. Receive and review incoming applications and documents, mail, faxes and emails. Program Support: Provide basic information on ODHS programs and how to apply for them. Gather and accurately enter/update client/case information into applicable State of Oregon databases. Schedule program- and case-related appointments with eligibility workers and other ODHS staff. Maintain community resource information and provide Oregonians information on how to access additional services. Eligibility Support: Complete initial case screening to determine prior and/or current case history and enter new application information. Perform basic case updates such as changes in contact information, health care provider preference and demographics, as well as notating case information into databases. Explain agency notices, case status information and benefit issuances as requested by clients. Activate and issue/mail out EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards to qualifying clients.

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 engaging with the community, assessing resources and services, and supporting a diverse population.
Experience effectively communicating, managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, and maintaining attention to detail.
Experience navigating evolving policies and procedures while demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning.
Experience actively implementing equitable practices and applying diversity, equity, and inclusion principles effectively.
Experience analyzing, applying, and effectively communicating rules and regulations.
A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.

Responsibilities

Work in office reception area and create a welcoming environment for the public with friendly, respectful, professional, and courteous service.
Respond to in-person, phone email and mail client inquiries regarding ODHS programs and services.
Receive and review incoming applications and documents, mail, faxes and emails.
Provide basic information on ODHS programs and how to apply for them.
Gather and accurately enter/update client/case information into applicable State of Oregon databases.
Schedule program- and case-related appointments with eligibility workers and other ODHS staff.
Maintain community resource information and provide Oregonians information on how to access additional services.
Complete initial case screening to determine prior and/or current case history and enter new application information.
Perform basic case updates such as changes in contact information, health care provider preference and demographics, as well as notating case information into databases.
Explain agency notices, case status information and benefit issuances as requested by clients.
Activate and issue/mail out EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards to qualifying clients.