Public Benefits Specialist, Entry Bilingual Preferred (English & Spanish)

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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.

Are you fluent in English andSpanishOur diverse communities benefit from bilingual support. While not a requirement preference will be given to candidates who possess this valuable skill.

Opportunity awaits! Would you likeanopportunity to make a positive impact on Oregonians in need of support and resourcesWould you enjoy working with a diverse team thatis passionate about servingchildren families and communities If sowedlove to hear from you!

Summary of Duties

As a Public Benefits Specialist Entry you will:

• Create a welcoming environment for the public with friendly respectful professional and courteous service.

• Answer phones with appropriate phone system when covering phones including answering clients questions regarding programs and case specific information.

• Input of incoming tasks into database and create working batches.

• Process administrative tasks in One System related to eligibility.

• Explain procedures including such things as applying for benefits providing documentation and requesting grievance or hearings.

• Perform specialized activities requiring independent judgment to make decisions or select a course of action based on laws rules policies and procedures within TANF SNAP ERDC or TA-DVS and medical.

• Screen eligibility potential for all ODHS programs and provide applicants with procedural information to apply for said programs.

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:

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a constant and ever changing work environment.

• Has some skills using computer and program applications.

• Maintain effective professional and courteous working relationships with co-workers supervisors and public.

• Experience working with individuals of a diverse population and communicating effectively.

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. If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is listed as a minimum qualification for the position please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process. 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

• Your work schedule will be 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. MondayFridayPacific Standard Time (PST). Occasional overtime may be available.

• Employees in these positions may be required to work a flexible work schedule as a condition of employment. This is understood to mean that the hours of work may vary and could include evenings and weekends under certain circumstances.

• This position is assigned to the Store Front Office incumbent who will be working in an office environment in-person. The office is constructed of cubicles so work is often interrupted and noise levels are sometimes high.

• This position may be on the phone regularly or process work electronically.

• Travel may be required to meet business needs or to attend employee training classes. Must possess a valid drivers license and acceptable driving record to use state vehicles. Reasonable accommodation per the ADA or creative solutions in certain cases may be used to meet this need.

• This position requires a good attendance pattern and appropriate use of accrued paid leave to ensure workload coverage for vacations and other leaves as well as acceptable customer service for the Oregonians we serve.

• Youwillinteract with a wide range of people including some who have experienced traumaandmayexhibitchallenges in controlling their emotions.

• You mayencounterstressful situations that require quick decision-making to ensure safety ofyourself and others.

• Fast paced environment with constantly evolving policies and procedures. Repetitive motions prolonged sitting and daily computer and technology use.

• Work may be reviewed by leads supervisors Quality Assurance audits or through other quality activities such as reviewing information in ONE or phone calls with Oregonians.

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).

• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

• The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligiblethe salary range will increase by 6.95%.

Contact Information

Please contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and application or Job-specific questions.

Please include the job requisition number: REQ-xxxxxx.

• Recruiter: Adrian Ortiz

• Email:

• Phone (call or text):