State of Oregon
Public Benefits Specialist – Entry | Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
State of Oregon, Salem, Oregon, us, 97308
Public Benefits Specialist – Entry | Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
Join to apply for the
Public Benefits Specialist – Entry | Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
role at
State of Oregon
Base pay range
Initial Posting Date: 01/12/2026
Application Deadline: 01/19/2026
Agency: Department of Human Services
Salary Range: $3,705 – $4,833
Position Type: Employee
Position Title: Public Benefits Specialist – Entry | Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
Job Description: 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 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 Preferred – English & Spanish. You do not need to be bilingual to apply or be considered for 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 poverty—become 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
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.
Assist 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 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 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; OR
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience relative to the class concept.
Essential Attributes
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.
Application Instructions
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 traditional 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 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).
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
Recruiter: Yvette Medford. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number.
Email: Yvette.C.Medford@odhs.oregon.gov
Phone (call or text): 541-709-0306
Come for a job. Stay for a career. Make a difference... for a lifetime!
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Human Resources
Industries: Government Administration
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at State of Oregon by 2x
Get notified about new Benefits Specialist jobs in Salem, OR.
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Public Benefits Specialist – Entry | Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
role at
State of Oregon
Base pay range
Initial Posting Date: 01/12/2026
Application Deadline: 01/19/2026
Agency: Department of Human Services
Salary Range: $3,705 – $4,833
Position Type: Employee
Position Title: Public Benefits Specialist – Entry | Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
Job Description: 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 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 Preferred – English & Spanish. You do not need to be bilingual to apply or be considered for 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 poverty—become 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
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.
Assist 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 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 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; OR
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience relative to the class concept.
Essential Attributes
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.
Application Instructions
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 traditional 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 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).
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
Recruiter: Yvette Medford. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number.
Email: Yvette.C.Medford@odhs.oregon.gov
Phone (call or text): 541-709-0306
Come for a job. Stay for a career. Make a difference... for a lifetime!
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Human Resources
Industries: Government Administration
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at State of Oregon by 2x
Get notified about new Benefits Specialist jobs in Salem, OR.
#J-18808-Ljbffr