Public Benefits Specialist - Entry - Bilingual Required English/Spanish!
Oregon Department of Human Services, Hood River, Oregon, United States, 97031
Overview
Position Title
Public Benefits Specialist - Entry - Bilingual Required English/Spanish! 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 Job Description
The Oregon Department of Human Services is 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 historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help achieve 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 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 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. Assist 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, you must be bilingual in Spanish and English. Two years of experience working in a reception area or call center with high-volume work (e.g., data entry, ensuring information on applications is complete and accurate, completing necessary documents); OR An associate degree in a Behavioral Science, Social Science or closely related field AND six months of experience in a busy reception area or call center; OR An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience relative to the class concept. Essential Attributes
Experience supporting customers or clients by answering questions about programs, services, and individual cases. Experience providing timely, accurate information in a customer-service environment. Ability to learn and apply new or updated policies, procedures, systems, and programs in daily work. Experience providing customer service to a diverse clientele. Skilled in handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information. Proficient in navigating digital platforms, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, and online search tools. Demonstrated ability to support 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 materials will determine if you move forward in the selection process. Include detailed work and education history. Ensure your application materials, resume and job history, are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range. 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 during the application process. 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 will result in disqualification. Working Conditions
Work schedule: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST, Monday – Friday. Occasionally schedule may be adjusted based on service need. No remote work. Store front office environment. Flexibility to assist various district offices on a temporary and long-term basis to ensure continuity of operations. Fast-paced environment at times with high volume of individual and family contact. Exposure to a diverse range of customers; respond with compassion and professionalism through a cultural and trauma-informed lens. Contact with individuals who may be experiencing emotional and financial stress. Work with survivors of domestic violence; self-care and available resources are important. Background Checks And Requirements
If selected as a finalist, a criminal history and background check will be conducted. Adverse history may lead to disqualification. The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will complete the US DHS I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify. May require a valid driver’s license or other acceptable transportation method. Benefits
ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning. Cost of Living Adjustments. Annual salary increases until the top of the 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 who meet qualifications will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, visit Veterans Resources. General Information
This is a permanent, full-time position represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). The listed salary range is the non-PERS monthly range. If you are a PERS member or become eligible, the salary range increases 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. Include the job requisition number when you contact. 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!
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Position Title
Public Benefits Specialist - Entry - Bilingual Required English/Spanish! 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 Job Description
The Oregon Department of Human Services is 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 historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help achieve 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 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 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. Assist 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, you must be bilingual in Spanish and English. Two years of experience working in a reception area or call center with high-volume work (e.g., data entry, ensuring information on applications is complete and accurate, completing necessary documents); OR An associate degree in a Behavioral Science, Social Science or closely related field AND six months of experience in a busy reception area or call center; OR An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience relative to the class concept. Essential Attributes
Experience supporting customers or clients by answering questions about programs, services, and individual cases. Experience providing timely, accurate information in a customer-service environment. Ability to learn and apply new or updated policies, procedures, systems, and programs in daily work. Experience providing customer service to a diverse clientele. Skilled in handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information. Proficient in navigating digital platforms, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, and online search tools. Demonstrated ability to support 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 materials will determine if you move forward in the selection process. Include detailed work and education history. Ensure your application materials, resume and job history, are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range. 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 during the application process. 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 will result in disqualification. Working Conditions
Work schedule: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST, Monday – Friday. Occasionally schedule may be adjusted based on service need. No remote work. Store front office environment. Flexibility to assist various district offices on a temporary and long-term basis to ensure continuity of operations. Fast-paced environment at times with high volume of individual and family contact. Exposure to a diverse range of customers; respond with compassion and professionalism through a cultural and trauma-informed lens. Contact with individuals who may be experiencing emotional and financial stress. Work with survivors of domestic violence; self-care and available resources are important. Background Checks And Requirements
If selected as a finalist, a criminal history and background check will be conducted. Adverse history may lead to disqualification. The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will complete the US DHS I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify. May require a valid driver’s license or other acceptable transportation method. Benefits
ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning. Cost of Living Adjustments. Annual salary increases until the top of the 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 who meet qualifications will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, visit Veterans Resources. General Information
This is a permanent, full-time position represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). The listed salary range is the non-PERS monthly range. If you are a PERS member or become eligible, the salary range increases 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. Include the job requisition number when you contact. 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