Public Benefits Specialist - Entry | Bilingual Required - English/Chuukese!

Position Title Public Benefits Specialist - Entry | Bilingual Required - English/Chuukese! Initial Posting Date 06/18/2026 Application Deadline 06/25/2026 Agency Department of Human Services Salary Range $3,798 - $4,954 Position Type Employee Job Description 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! Step into a role where your efforts directly empower Oregonians to rise above poverty—become a key player in the Self‑Sufficiency Program and facilitate access to vital services that foster equity and well‑being. Bilingual Required – English & Chuukese To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in English & Chuukese. The job offer will be contingent upon passing a speaking test evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements for this position. Upon passing, you will receive 5% bilingual differential pay. As a Public Benefits Specialist - Entry, you will work in our Southeast Portland office on Malden Street assisting Oregonians in­‑person. Summary Of Duties Be the first face of contact in most field offices for Oregonians and provide a welcoming environment for individuals and families to interact with the department. Support the infrastructure of the office by supporting the day‑to‑day operation. Provide in‑person, phone, and email assistance to Oregonians, helping resolve questions and guiding them through the Oregon Eligibility application process for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs. Assist Oregonians through a trauma informed lens. May include financial desk responsibilities. Providing support for the business functions within the office. Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the Self‑Sufficiency Program (SSP). Minimum Qualifications To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in Chuukese and English. 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 Extensive experience providing front‑line customer service in a high‑volume reception or front desk environment. Proven ability to adapt communication styles to effectively convey complex rules, regulations, and procedures into plan language to diverse audiences. Demonstrated expertise in supporting customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion. Experienced in accurately entering and verifying detailed data. Skilled in handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information. Proficient in navigating various digital platforms, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, and online search tools. Working Conditions Work schedule is a traditional work week, Monday-Friday. 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. 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 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 Come for a job. | Stay for a career. | Make a difference... for a lifetime! #J-18808-Ljbffr Oregon Department of Human Services