Public Benefits Specialis-Entry | Bilingual Preferred English/Spanish!
Oregon Department of Human Services, Portland, OR, United States
Position
Public Benefits Specialist - Entry | Bilingual Preferred English/Spanish
Agency: Department of Human Services
Salary Range: $3,798 - $4,954 per month
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Oregon Department of Human Services is a proud 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. If you are bilingual, we encourage you to apply! 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 Self Sufficiency Program 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 in person and by phone to resolve any questions or concerns by providing support with the online Oregon Eligibility application system, for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning & Care (DELC) programs.
Assist Oregonians through a trauma‑informed lens.
Perform financial duties including tracking, issuing, and accounting for all financial actions and requirements needed.
Provide support for the business functions within the office.
Learn more about our programs; your work will be through the Self‑Sufficiency Program (SSP).
Minimum Qualifications
Two years of experience working in a reception area or call center interviewing to obtain information or providing customer service with high volume of work (e.g., data entry, ensuring application completeness, completing necessary documents); OR
An associate degree in Behavioral Science, Social Science or a closely related field AND six months of experience working in a busy reception area or call center interviewing to obtain information or providing customer service; OR
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.
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.
Background Checks and Requirements
Selected finalists will undergo a criminal history and background check. Adverse history may lead to disqualification.
Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s I‑9 form and confirm authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E‑Verify to confirm authorization.
May require a valid driver’s license or other acceptable method of transportation.
Employment 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 become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.
This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Agency: Department of Human Services
Salary Range: $3,798 - $4,954 per month
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Oregon Department of Human Services is a proud 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. If you are bilingual, we encourage you to apply! 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 Self Sufficiency Program 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 in person and by phone to resolve any questions or concerns by providing support with the online Oregon Eligibility application system, for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning & Care (DELC) programs.
Assist Oregonians through a trauma‑informed lens.
Perform financial duties including tracking, issuing, and accounting for all financial actions and requirements needed.
Provide support for the business functions within the office.
Learn more about our programs; your work will be through the Self‑Sufficiency Program (SSP).
Minimum Qualifications
Two years of experience working in a reception area or call center interviewing to obtain information or providing customer service with high volume of work (e.g., data entry, ensuring application completeness, completing necessary documents); OR
An associate degree in Behavioral Science, Social Science or a closely related field AND six months of experience working in a busy reception area or call center interviewing to obtain information or providing customer service; OR
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.
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.
Background Checks and Requirements
Selected finalists will undergo a criminal history and background check. Adverse history may lead to disqualification.
Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s I‑9 form and confirm authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E‑Verify to confirm authorization.
May require a valid driver’s license or other acceptable method of transportation.
Employment 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 become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.
This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.
#J-18808-Ljbffr