Public Benefits Specialist, Entry (Bilingual English/Spanish)
State of Oregon, Salem, OR, United States
Overview
Initial Posting Date:
03/13/2026 Application Deadline:
03/21/2026 Agency:
Department of Human Services Salary Range:
$3,798 - $4,954 Position Type:
Employee Position Title:
Public Benefits Specialist, Entry (Bilingual English/Spanish) Job Description:
Public Benefits Specialist/Entry, REQ-195847 Location:
Salem (4600 25th Ave NE) The Oregon Department of Human Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from historically underrepresented groups to help us achieve a diverse and inclusive community. Qualifications:
Bilingual in English and Spanish. The job offer is contingent upon passing tests evaluating bilingual proficiency. Upon passing, you will receive a 5% bilingual differential pay of the base pay. Summary
OEP (Oregon Eligibility Partnership) determines eligibility for medical, food, cash and childcare benefits through the ONE eligibility system. The program focuses on equity of services and timely, accurate eligibility determinations through a person-centered approach. As a Public Benefits Specialist/Entry, you will perform duties to support eligibility determination and customer service. Responsibilities
Helping individuals and families seeking services by providing specialized assistance on behalf of program staff. Supporting the delivery of life-changing programs such as SNAP, TANF, ERDC, medical, refugee services, domestic violence services, and long-term care services; engage in in-person, phone, and online assistance and answer case status inquiries. Serve as the first point of contact in offices or via the online application portal, contributing to a welcoming environment. Greet and assist Oregonians through a trauma-informed lens. Collaborate within a team to rotate tasks and support office operations, including scheduling intakes and handling financial/customer service tasks. Provide culturally appropriate services that respect and affirm diversity, including language and other factors. Working Conditions
Your typical work schedule is Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PST. This position is in-office with no remote/hybrid option. Interaction with a wide range of individuals, including those who may have experienced trauma, requiring quick decision-making to ensure safety. Fast-paced role with high volumes of in-person, phone, and electronic communications. Work procedures may change daily; flexibility is required. Minimum Qualifications
Two years of experience in a reception area or call center, either interviewing to obtain information or providing customer service, with A high volume of work (e.g., data entry, ensuring application information is complete and accurate, completing necessary documents). Or an associate degree in Behavioral/Social Sciences 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. Essential Attributes
Customer Service:
High-volume customer service with active listening and compassion, providing information and referrals by phone to diverse individuals. Professionalism & Integrity:
Handling confidential information with professionalism and integrity. Technical Proficiency:
Proficient with computers, Microsoft Office, browsers, email, and multi-line phones; able to learn new web platforms and schedule appointments. Multisystem Navigation:
Use of multiple systems to research and track case details. Communication, Collaboration & Conflict Resolution:
Clear explanation of rules, adaptable communication, and ability to build respectful relationships. Additional Information
Attention all candidates: include brief responses to essential attributes in your application materials with examples from your experience. Ensure your resume or job history is clearly outlined; starting salary will be determined from materials provided. If requested, include a cover letter and resume in the Resume/CV field. Outside resources for assessments are prohibited unless stated by the hiring agency. Background Checks & Requirements
Finalists may undergo criminal history and background checks. Adverse history may disqualify. The department does not offer visa sponsorship. You will complete the I-9 form within three days of hire and E-Verify will be used to confirm authorization to work in the United States. Benefits
Comprehensive benefits package. Cost of Living Adjustments. Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Annual salary increases until the top of the salary range. ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote learning. Employment Preference
Veterans’ preference information and instructions for submitting veteran documents. General Information
This is a permanent, full-time position represented by SEIU. This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification. Contact Information
For accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or job questions, contact ADA.DHS@dhsoha.state.or.us. The recruiter for this position is Jennifer Moisa; include the job requisition (REQ) number in your inquiry. Email: JENNIFER.M.MOISA@odhs.oregon.gov
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Initial Posting Date:
03/13/2026 Application Deadline:
03/21/2026 Agency:
Department of Human Services Salary Range:
$3,798 - $4,954 Position Type:
Employee Position Title:
Public Benefits Specialist, Entry (Bilingual English/Spanish) Job Description:
Public Benefits Specialist/Entry, REQ-195847 Location:
Salem (4600 25th Ave NE) The Oregon Department of Human Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from historically underrepresented groups to help us achieve a diverse and inclusive community. Qualifications:
Bilingual in English and Spanish. The job offer is contingent upon passing tests evaluating bilingual proficiency. Upon passing, you will receive a 5% bilingual differential pay of the base pay. Summary
OEP (Oregon Eligibility Partnership) determines eligibility for medical, food, cash and childcare benefits through the ONE eligibility system. The program focuses on equity of services and timely, accurate eligibility determinations through a person-centered approach. As a Public Benefits Specialist/Entry, you will perform duties to support eligibility determination and customer service. Responsibilities
Helping individuals and families seeking services by providing specialized assistance on behalf of program staff. Supporting the delivery of life-changing programs such as SNAP, TANF, ERDC, medical, refugee services, domestic violence services, and long-term care services; engage in in-person, phone, and online assistance and answer case status inquiries. Serve as the first point of contact in offices or via the online application portal, contributing to a welcoming environment. Greet and assist Oregonians through a trauma-informed lens. Collaborate within a team to rotate tasks and support office operations, including scheduling intakes and handling financial/customer service tasks. Provide culturally appropriate services that respect and affirm diversity, including language and other factors. Working Conditions
Your typical work schedule is Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PST. This position is in-office with no remote/hybrid option. Interaction with a wide range of individuals, including those who may have experienced trauma, requiring quick decision-making to ensure safety. Fast-paced role with high volumes of in-person, phone, and electronic communications. Work procedures may change daily; flexibility is required. Minimum Qualifications
Two years of experience in a reception area or call center, either interviewing to obtain information or providing customer service, with A high volume of work (e.g., data entry, ensuring application information is complete and accurate, completing necessary documents). Or an associate degree in Behavioral/Social Sciences 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. Essential Attributes
Customer Service:
High-volume customer service with active listening and compassion, providing information and referrals by phone to diverse individuals. Professionalism & Integrity:
Handling confidential information with professionalism and integrity. Technical Proficiency:
Proficient with computers, Microsoft Office, browsers, email, and multi-line phones; able to learn new web platforms and schedule appointments. Multisystem Navigation:
Use of multiple systems to research and track case details. Communication, Collaboration & Conflict Resolution:
Clear explanation of rules, adaptable communication, and ability to build respectful relationships. Additional Information
Attention all candidates: include brief responses to essential attributes in your application materials with examples from your experience. Ensure your resume or job history is clearly outlined; starting salary will be determined from materials provided. If requested, include a cover letter and resume in the Resume/CV field. Outside resources for assessments are prohibited unless stated by the hiring agency. Background Checks & Requirements
Finalists may undergo criminal history and background checks. Adverse history may disqualify. The department does not offer visa sponsorship. You will complete the I-9 form within three days of hire and E-Verify will be used to confirm authorization to work in the United States. Benefits
Comprehensive benefits package. Cost of Living Adjustments. Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Annual salary increases until the top of the salary range. ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote learning. Employment Preference
Veterans’ preference information and instructions for submitting veteran documents. General Information
This is a permanent, full-time position represented by SEIU. This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification. Contact Information
For accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or job questions, contact ADA.DHS@dhsoha.state.or.us. The recruiter for this position is Jennifer Moisa; include the job requisition (REQ) number in your inquiry. Email: JENNIFER.M.MOISA@odhs.oregon.gov
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