Public Benefits Specialist - Entry | Bilingual Preferred English/Spanish

Initial Posting Date: 08/27/2026 Application Deadline: 09/03/2026 Agency: Department of Human Services Salary Range: $3,798 - $4,954 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Public Benefits Specialist - Entry | Bilingual Preferred English/Spanish 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 Preferred – English & Spanish You do not need to be bilingual to apply for or be considered for this position. We serve diverse communities and recognize the importance of serving people in their preferred language. If interested in using your bilingual language skills, upon passing the test, you will receive 5% bilingual differential pay. Step into a role where your efforts directly empower Oregonians to rise above poverty—become a key player in the Oregon Eligibility Partnership and facilitate access to vital services that foster equity and well-being. As a Public Benefits Specialist - Entry, you will work in our Ontario office assisting Oregonians in-person. Ontario is in rural Eastern Oregon. Summary of Duties Be the first face of contact in most field offices for Oregonians and provide a welcoming environment for families to interact with the department. Support the infrastructure of the office by supporting the day-to-day operation. Assist Oregonians in person, by phone or email to resolve any questions or concerns by providing support with the online Oregon Eligibility system, for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs. Assist Oregonians through a trauma informed lens. May be assigned financial duties that include tracking, issuing, and accounting for all financial actions and requirements needed. Provide support for the business functions within the office. Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP). Minimum Qualifications 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. Essential Attributes Experience providing customer service serving a diverse clientele. Skilled in handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information. Demonstrated ability to adapt communication styles to effectively convey complex rules, regulations, and procedures to diverse audiences. Proficient in navigating various digital platforms, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, and online search tools. Experienced in accurately entering and verifying detailed data. Demonstrated expertise in supporting customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion. Bilingual proficiency will be considered as a tiebreaker among equally qualified finalists. Working Conditions Work schedule is a tradition work week, Monday-Friday. This position may provide coverage to other offices or out-stationed sites within the district. Experience constant contact with the public, including contact with and possibly de-escalating customers experiencing emotional and financial stress. Experience high volume of computer work, using various computer programs in a fast-paced team environment. Priorities and procedures may change daily and requires the ability to be flexible in application of procedures. This position works in the store front office. Background Checks and Requirements If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information. The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. 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. May require a valid driver’s license or other acceptable method of transportation. 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. Employment Preference Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard preference: Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources. General Information This is a permanent, full-time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%. This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification. Contact Information We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions. The recruiter for this position is Yvette Medford. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number. Email: View email address on click.appcast.io Phone (call or text): View phone number on click.appcast.io #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Oregon