Support Staff (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry) Preferred Not Required EnglishSpanish

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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 andSpanish Our diverse communities benefit from bilingual support. While not a requirement preference will be given to candidates who possess this valuable skill.

Opportunity awaits! Are you looking to make a difference in peoples lives Do you want to learn and grow professionally while experiencing meaningful workIf so wed love to hear from you!

Summary of Duties

As a Public Benefits Specialist Entry you will:

• Be this 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 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.
• Connects individuals and families with community resources and support services.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two (2) 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 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.

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience with Microsoft Word Excel email systems digital databases answering phones and data entry.
• Experience scheduling appointments for individuals and vulnerable populations in high-volume environments using person-centered trauma-informed practices.
• Ability to anticipate when team members need support and proactively steps in to ensure goals are met without sacrificing quality.
• Quickly assesses urgency prioritizes accurately and ensures immediate needs are addressed while maintaining overall workflow.
• Experience gathering and assessing information from customers to identify needs and determine appropriate services or resources.
• Experience providing front desk customer service and communicating complex information policies and procedures clearly and professionally to diverse audiences both verbally and in writing.

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 upload a resume or complete the work history profile. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
• 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.
• 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 Monday - Friday from 8 am - 5 pm in our Canby OR office.
• 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.
• 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 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.
• 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.

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 Tammie Moore. If you contact the recruiter please include the job requisition number: REQ-XXXXX.
• Email:
• Phone (call or text):