Public Benefits Specialist - Entry
About The Position
The Oregon Department of Human Services is hiring an entry-level Public Benefits Specialist for its Baker City office in rural Eastern Oregon. The role supports the Oregon Eligibility Partnership and helps Oregonians access programs provided by ODHS, the Oregon Health Authority, and the Department of Early Learning and Care. The specialist assists customers in person, by phone, and by email, including helping them use the online Oregon Eligibility system and resolving questions or concerns. The position provides front-office reception, day-to-day office and business-function support, and service through a trauma-informed approach. Financial duties such as tracking, issuing, and accounting for financial actions and requirements may also be assigned. The position is based in the Baker City storefront office, with occasional coverage elsewhere within the district. It involves frequent public contact, including interactions with customers experiencing emotional or financial stress, and a high volume of computer work in a fast-paced team environment. Priorities and procedures may change daily, requiring flexibility. The work schedule is Monday through Friday.
Requirements
- Two years of experience in a reception area or call center interviewing to obtain information or providing customer service in a high-volume setting involving work such as data entry, ensuring application information is complete and accurate, or completing necessary documents; OR an associate degree in Behavioral Science, Social Science, or a closely related field and six months of experience in a busy reception area or call center interviewing to obtain information or providing customer service; OR an equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and experience.
- Experience providing front-line customer service in a high-volume, fast-paced environment while supporting a wide range of clients.
- Experience handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information.
- Experience adapting communication to explain complex rules, regulations, and procedures to people from varied cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Experience navigating digital platforms such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, and online search tools.
- Experience accurately entering and verifying detailed data.
- Experience supporting customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.
- May require a valid driver’s license or another acceptable method of transportation.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a welcoming first point of contact for Oregonians in field offices.
- Support day-to-day office operations and the office’s business functions.
- Assist Oregonians in person, by phone, or by email with the online Oregon Eligibility system and questions or concerns about ODHS, OHA, and DELC programs.
- Provide assistance using a trauma-informed approach.
- May track, issue, and account for financial actions and requirements.
- May provide occasional coverage within the district.
Benefits
- ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
- Cost of Living Adjustments.
- Annual salary increases until the top of the listed salary range is reached.
- 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
