Benefits Support Staff (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry

Initial Posting Date: 08/05/2026 Final date to receive applications: 08/12/2026 Agency:
Department of Human Services Salary Range: $3,798 - $4,954 Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:

Benefits Support Staff (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry)

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.

Opportunity awaits! Would you like a career that is both rewarding and provides an opportunity for career growth? If you have experience providing customer service in a fast-paced environment while obtaining information for needed services, this may be the position for you! As a Benefits Support Staff, you will work in the Albany office assisting individuals and families of your community in-person.

As a Benefits Support Staff, you will be the first point of contact for customers entering the physical office or connecting virtually through the online applicant portal or by telephone. This position supports the day-to-day operations of the office. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Contribute to a welcoming environment as families interact with the department.
• Greet and assist customers and colleagues through a trauma-informed lens.
• Assist customers who are applying for programs such as medical, cash for families (TANF), Domestic Violence services, food benefits (SNAP), childcare assistance (ERDC), and long-term care services.
• Obtain initial information from customers in-person, by phone and via our online applicant portal to provide status updates about their case, answer other inquiries and provide information on how to access community resources.
• Work within a team that collaboratively rotates tasks to support the business needs of the office.
• Complete a high volume of work in a fast-paced environment using various computer programs to track customer details, generate system notices, coordinate internal communication, and document or reference procedures, policies and processes.

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.
• 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.); 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 center either interviewing to obtain information or providing customer service; OR
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience relative to the class concept.

• We are looking for candidates with:
  Experience adapting communication style to explain complex processes and/or outcomes to people with diverse communication and learning styles.
• Experience with technical skills that include basic computer and search engine knowledge, email communication and learning new web-based platforms.
• Experience conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents.
• Experience working collaboratively with others as part of a diverse team who may have different work styles and personalities.
• Experience handling confidential information with unwavering professionalism, holding self and others to high standards of honesty and integrity.

Attention all candidates! A Cover Letter is required; if you do not submit a Cover Letter, your application will be declined. 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…