Public Benefits Specialist-Entry
Oregon Department of Human Services, Portland, OR, United States
Public Benefits Specialist-Entry
As a Public Benefits Specialist-Entry, you will work in our Alberta – Portland office on N Webster Street assisting Oregonians in-person.
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.
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.
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 by providing support in person, over the phone and through email to resolve any questions or concerns with the online Oregon Eligibility system, 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.
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.
Essential Attributes
Experience providing front-line 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.
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.
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.
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.
Salary Range: $3,798 - $4,954.
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
Recruiter: Yvette Medford
Email: Yvette.C.Medford@odhs.oregon.gov
Phone (call or text): 541-709-0306
Include the job requisition number when contacting the recruiter.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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.
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.
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 by providing support in person, over the phone and through email to resolve any questions or concerns with the online Oregon Eligibility system, 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.
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.
Essential Attributes
Experience providing front-line 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.
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.
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.
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.
Salary Range: $3,798 - $4,954.
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
Recruiter: Yvette Medford
Email: Yvette.C.Medford@odhs.oregon.gov
Phone (call or text): 541-709-0306
Include the job requisition number when contacting the recruiter.
#J-18808-Ljbffr