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

State of Oregon•Oregon City, OR

9h•Onsite

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. Are you fluent in English and Spanish? Our diverse communities benefit from bilingual support. While not a requirement, preference will be given to candidates who possess this valuable skill. Opportunity awaits! Would you like an opportunity to make a positive impact on Oregonians in need of support and resources? Would you enjoy working with a diverse team that is passionate about serving children, families, and communities? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

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.
Must possess a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record to use state vehicles.
Good attendance pattern and appropriate use of accrued paid leave to ensure workload coverage for vacations and other leaves, as well as acceptable customer service for the Oregonians we serve.
Ability to interact with a wide range of people, including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions.
Ability to handle stressful situations that require quick decision-making to ensure safety of yourself and others.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with constantly evolving policies and procedures.
Ability to perform repetitive motions, prolonged sitting, and daily computer and technology use.
Work may be reviewed by leads, supervisors, Quality Assurance, audits, or through other quality activities such as reviewing information in ONE or phone calls with Oregonians.
If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification.
Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States.
ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

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.