Public Benefits Specialist Entry (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry) Bilingual English & Dari Required
About The Position
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. Bilingual requirement English/ Dari To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in English & Dari. The job offer is contingent upon passing speaking and writing tests evaluating your proficiency. Upon passing, you will receive a 5% bilingual differential pay. Opportunity awaits ! Are you looking to make a difference in people's lives? Do you want to learn and grow professionally while experiencing meaningful work? If so, we’d love to hear from you! Summary of Duties As a Public Benefits Specialist, Entry you will: Be this first face of contact in the office by delivering professional, respectful, and culturally responsive customer service while fostering an inclusive, equitable, and discrimination-free environment for clients, coworkers, and community partners. Manage administrative operations including phone and email communications, mail processing, electronic records management, task tracking, meeting coordination, and data entry in agency systems. Provide eligibility support by explaining benefits, notices, program requirements, application procedures, and available community resources, while maintaining accurate case documentation. Apply agency policies, procedures, and regulations to make informed decisions, maintain case records, and ensure accurate and timely processing of client services. Providing a safety net, family stability and a connection to careers that guide Oregonians out of poverty.
Requirements
- Must be bilingual English/Dari.
- Two (2) 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 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.
Nice To Haves
- Experience adapting communication style to explain complex information such as rules or procedures verbally and in writing to diverse audiences.
- Experience conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents.
- Experience providing customer service to vulnerable communities that are person centered and trauma informed.
- Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, digital databases, answering phones and data entry.
- Experience evaluating resources and recommending services for diverse populations.
- Experience with managing high-volume, fast-paced front desk operations.
- Preference will be given to candidates that are bilingual in English/Dari.
Responsibilities
- Be the first face of contact in the office by delivering professional, respectful, and culturally responsive customer service while fostering an inclusive, equitable, and discrimination-free environment for clients, coworkers, and community partners.
- Manage administrative operations including phone and email communications, mail processing, electronic records management, task tracking, meeting coordination, and data entry in agency systems.
- Provide eligibility support by explaining benefits, notices, program requirements, application procedures, and available community resources, while maintaining accurate case documentation.
- Apply agency policies, procedures, and regulations to make informed decisions, maintain case records, and ensure accurate and timely processing of client services.
- Providing a safety net, family stability and a connection to careers that guide Oregonians out of poverty.
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
