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*Note: Effective Feb. 1 2026 the compensation plan for this position will be increased to reflect a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)of 2.5%.The salary listed in this posting does not reflect the COLA.

The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by ourEquity North Starand our vision for a positiveRiSE organizational culturethat 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 or be considered for this position. If you are bilingual we encourage you to apply! 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.

Opportunity awaits!

Step into a role where your efforts directly empower Oregonians to rise above povertybecome 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 Portland office on N Lombard assisting Oregonians in-person.

Summary of Duties

As a Public Benefits Specialist Entry you will:

• 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.

• Assisting 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 Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP).

Minimum Qualifications

• Two years of experienceworking in a reception area or call centereither 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 centereither 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:

• Extensive experience providing front-line customer service in a high-volume fast-paced reception or front desk environment serving a diverse clientele.

• Skilled in handling collecting and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information with a high degree of integrity and discretion.

• Proven ability to adapt communication styles to effectively convey complex rules regulations and procedures to diverse audiences while demonstrating strong active listening skills.

• 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 with a strong focus on precision and quality control.

• Demonstrated expertise in supporting customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism empathy and compassion.

Preference will be given to candidates that are bilingual in Spanish and English.

Attention all candidates!

Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history.

• Please make sure your application materials resume and job history are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.

• The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments examinations and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification.

• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age date of birth attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

Working Conditions

• Work schedule is a tradition 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.

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 Securitys 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.

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 listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying the salary range will reflect an additional 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:

• Phone (call or text):

Come for a job. Stay for a career. Make a difference... for a lifetime!