Benefits Support Staff (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry) Bilingual English & Spanish Required

Position Title Benefits Support Staff (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry) Bilingual English & Spanish Required Initial Posting Date 08/13/2026 Application Deadline 08/20/2026 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. Bilingual requirement English/ Spanish To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in English & Spanish. The job offer is contingent upon passing speaking and writing tests evaluating your proficiency. Upon passing, you will receive a 5% bilingual differential pay. Summary Of Duties 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 but not limited to 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. Minimum Qualifications To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in Spanish and English. 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. Essential Attributes We are looking for candidates with: Experience providing customer service to vulnerable communities that are person centered and trauma informed. Demonstrates respect, empathy, and professionalism in all interactions, regardless of differences, stress, or conflict. Demonstrates curiosity, humility, and willingness to learn from people with diverse identities, cultural histories, lived experiences, and worldviews. Experience providing accurate and professional front desk services, including client communication, scheduling, and documentation. Experience shifting organizational needs, priorities, timelines, and circumstances while maintaining productivity, professionalism, and sound decision-making. Experience conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents. Preference will be given to candidates that are bilingual in Spanish and English. Working Conditions You will work in a fast paced high-volume office environment. Our office is constructed of cubicles, so work is often interrupted, and noise level is sometimes high. Your work schedule will be Monday - Friday from 8 am - 5 pm in our Beaverton OR office. Occasionally, compensated overtime may be required or voluntary, including evening and weekend work. You will communicate with Oregon residents frequently over the phone and in-person. May require sitting at a terminal or telephone for prolonged periods of the workday. You will interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may be experiencing emotional and/or financial distress. Consistent attendance is essential. Flexibility/adaptability is essential due to a changing environment with regular policy, program, and technical adjustments 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. Driver Record Screening: As part of the pre-employment background check, applicants may be asked to complete a driving record review. A driving record that does not meet agency standards will not, by itself, disqualify an applicant from employment when driving is not an essential function of the position 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). This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification. #J-18808-Ljbffr Oregon Department of Human Services