Public Benefits Specialist - Entry - Bilingual Required English/Spanish!
State of Oregon, Hood River, Oregon, United States, 97031
Initial Posting Date:
02/04/2026
Application Deadline: 02/25/2026
Agency: Department of Human Services
Salary Range: $3,798 - $4,954
Position Type: Employee
Position Title: Public Benefits Specialist - Entry - Bilingual Required English/Spanish!
Job Description: 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 Required – English & Spanish To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in
English & Spanish.
Employment is contingent upon passing a speaking assessment.
Candidates who meet the bilingual proficiency standards will receive a 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 Self-Sufficiency Program and facilitate access to vital services that foster equity and well-being. As a
Public Benefits Specialist Entry,
you will work in the
Hood River
office 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 individuals and 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 Oregon Eligibility application, for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs.
Assisting Oregonians through a trauma informed lens.
Financial duties that include tracking, issuing, and accounting for all financial actions and requirements needed.
Providing support for the business functions within the office.
Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the
Self-Sufficiency Program
(SSP). Minimum Qualifications To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in Spanish and English.
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: Experience supporting customers or clients by answering questions about programs, services, and individual cases.
Experience providing timely, accurate information in a customer‑service environment.
Proven ability to learn and apply new or updated policies, procedures, systems, and programs in daily work.
Experience providing customer service serving a diverse clientele.
Skilled in handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information.
Proficient in navigating various digital platforms, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, and online search tools.
Demonstrated expertise in supporting customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.
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 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.
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.
Working Conditions Your work schedule will be 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST, Monday – Friday. Occasionally you will need to adjust your schedule based on service need. No option for remote work.
This position is in a store front office.
The role requires flexibility to assist various district offices on a temporary and long-term basis, ensuring continuity of operations.
You will be working in a fast-paced environment at times.
High volume of individual and family contact.
You will be exposed to a diverse range of customers and will need to respond with compassion and professionalism through a cultural and trauma informed lens.
You will have contact with a range of people including some who may be experiencing emotional and financial stress.
You will work with domestic violence survivors. These situations may be stressful and understanding self-care and available resources are important.
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.
May require a valid driver’s license or other acceptable method of transportation.
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 range listed is the non- PERS
monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible,
the salary range will increase
by 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:
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!
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Application Deadline: 02/25/2026
Agency: Department of Human Services
Salary Range: $3,798 - $4,954
Position Type: Employee
Position Title: Public Benefits Specialist - Entry - Bilingual Required English/Spanish!
Job Description: 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 Required – English & Spanish To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in
English & Spanish.
Employment is contingent upon passing a speaking assessment.
Candidates who meet the bilingual proficiency standards will receive a 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 Self-Sufficiency Program and facilitate access to vital services that foster equity and well-being. As a
Public Benefits Specialist Entry,
you will work in the
Hood River
office 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 individuals and 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 Oregon Eligibility application, for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs.
Assisting Oregonians through a trauma informed lens.
Financial duties that include tracking, issuing, and accounting for all financial actions and requirements needed.
Providing support for the business functions within the office.
Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the
Self-Sufficiency Program
(SSP). Minimum Qualifications To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in Spanish and English.
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: Experience supporting customers or clients by answering questions about programs, services, and individual cases.
Experience providing timely, accurate information in a customer‑service environment.
Proven ability to learn and apply new or updated policies, procedures, systems, and programs in daily work.
Experience providing customer service serving a diverse clientele.
Skilled in handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information.
Proficient in navigating various digital platforms, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, and online search tools.
Demonstrated expertise in supporting customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.
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 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.
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.
Working Conditions Your work schedule will be 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST, Monday – Friday. Occasionally you will need to adjust your schedule based on service need. No option for remote work.
This position is in a store front office.
The role requires flexibility to assist various district offices on a temporary and long-term basis, ensuring continuity of operations.
You will be working in a fast-paced environment at times.
High volume of individual and family contact.
You will be exposed to a diverse range of customers and will need to respond with compassion and professionalism through a cultural and trauma informed lens.
You will have contact with a range of people including some who may be experiencing emotional and financial stress.
You will work with domestic violence survivors. These situations may be stressful and understanding self-care and available resources are important.
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.
May require a valid driver’s license or other acceptable method of transportation.
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 range listed is the non- PERS
monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible,
the salary range will increase
by 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:
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!
#J-18808-Ljbffr