State of Oregon
Public Benefits Specialist, Entry (Bilingual English/Spanish Preferred)
State of Oregon, Salem, Oregon, us, 97308
Initial Posting Date: 01/08/2026
Application Deadline: 01/18/2026
Agency: Department of Human Services
Salary Range: $3,952 - $5,169
Position Type: Employee
Position Title: Public Benefits Specialist, Entry (Bilingual English/Spanish Preferred)
Note: This position will receive a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), which is not reflected in the salary listed in this posting. The increase will be effective February 1, 2026, and will be reflected in paychecks beginning March 1, 2026.
We are 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.
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.
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.
Summary of Duties As a Public Benefits Specialist, Entry you will:
Administrative Duties/Customer Service
Create a welcoming environment for the public with friendly, respectful, professional, and courteous service.
Managing incoming mail and multiple email accounts.
Answer phones with appropriate phone system when covering phones. Including answering client’s questions in regard to programs and case specific information.
Eligibility Support
Explain agency notices, case and benefit issuance stats as requested by clients.
Explore alternative resources appropriate for any clientele in office or on phone. Maintain resource information and provide Oregonian’s directions to access services.
Managing incoming mail and multiple email accounts.
Answer phones with appropriate phone system when covering phones. Including answering client’s questions in regard to programs and case specific information.
Eligibility Screening
Complete initial computer screening to determine prior case history or current eligibility.
Screen eligibility potential for all ODHS programs and provide applicants with procedural information to apply for said programs.
Minimum Qualifications
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.).
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.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience relative to the class concept.
Preference will be given to bilingual candidates.
Essential Attributes
Experience conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents.
Experience providing customer service serving a diverse clientele.Demonstrated ability to adapt communication styles to effectively convey complex rules, regulations, and procedures to diverse audiences.
Skilled in handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information.
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.
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
This position works in the store front office. In-person office environment.
Work schedule is traditional work week 8:00am-5:00pm 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 environment.
Priorities and procedures may change daily and requires the ability to be flexible in application of procedures.
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.
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 Cris Jansen. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-193476.
Email: Crista.jansen@odhs.oregon.gov
Phone (call or text): 503‑826‑6988
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Application Deadline: 01/18/2026
Agency: Department of Human Services
Salary Range: $3,952 - $5,169
Position Type: Employee
Position Title: Public Benefits Specialist, Entry (Bilingual English/Spanish Preferred)
Note: This position will receive a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), which is not reflected in the salary listed in this posting. The increase will be effective February 1, 2026, and will be reflected in paychecks beginning March 1, 2026.
We are 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.
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.
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.
Summary of Duties As a Public Benefits Specialist, Entry you will:
Administrative Duties/Customer Service
Create a welcoming environment for the public with friendly, respectful, professional, and courteous service.
Managing incoming mail and multiple email accounts.
Answer phones with appropriate phone system when covering phones. Including answering client’s questions in regard to programs and case specific information.
Eligibility Support
Explain agency notices, case and benefit issuance stats as requested by clients.
Explore alternative resources appropriate for any clientele in office or on phone. Maintain resource information and provide Oregonian’s directions to access services.
Managing incoming mail and multiple email accounts.
Answer phones with appropriate phone system when covering phones. Including answering client’s questions in regard to programs and case specific information.
Eligibility Screening
Complete initial computer screening to determine prior case history or current eligibility.
Screen eligibility potential for all ODHS programs and provide applicants with procedural information to apply for said programs.
Minimum Qualifications
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.).
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.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience relative to the class concept.
Preference will be given to bilingual candidates.
Essential Attributes
Experience conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents.
Experience providing customer service serving a diverse clientele.Demonstrated ability to adapt communication styles to effectively convey complex rules, regulations, and procedures to diverse audiences.
Skilled in handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information.
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.
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
This position works in the store front office. In-person office environment.
Work schedule is traditional work week 8:00am-5:00pm 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 environment.
Priorities and procedures may change daily and requires the ability to be flexible in application of procedures.
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.
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 Cris Jansen. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-193476.
Email: Crista.jansen@odhs.oregon.gov
Phone (call or text): 503‑826‑6988
#J-18808-Ljbffr