Benefits Support Staff; Public Benefits Specialist, Entry

Benefits Support Staff (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry)# Oregon Job Opportunities## Benefits Support Staff (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry)
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Albany | DHS | 2nd Avenue:
Full time:
Posted Today:
REQ-208817
** Initial Posting Date:
** 10/29/2026
** Final date to receive applications:
** 11/05/2026
** 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!
** Do you enjoy helping people navigate complex situations and connect with resources that can make a difference in their lives? As a
** Benefits Support Staff**, you’ll be a welcoming first point of contact for individuals and families seeking assistance and an important part of a team committed to serving the  this role, you’ll provide in-person, online, and telephone assistance while helping customers access programs and services that support their health, stability, and well-being. If you’re compassionate, organized, and enjoy working with people in a fast-paced environment, we want to hear from you!

As a
** Benefits Support Staff**,
** you will work in the Albany
** office assisting individuals and families of your community
** in-person**.
** Summary of Duties
** As a
** Benefits Support Staff**, you will:
* Create a welcoming and supportive environment for customers interacting with the department.
* Greet and assist customers and colleagues using a trauma-informed approach.
* Work collaboratively with a team that rotates tasks to meet the changing needs of the office.
* Assist customers applying for programs and services, including medical, cash assistance for families (TANF), domestic violence services (TA-DVS), food benefits (SNAP), childcare assistance (ERDC), and long-term care.
* Gather initial information from customers in person, by telephone, and through the online applicant portal; provide case status updates, answer questions, and share information about available community resources.
* Perform financial duties, including tracking, issuing, and accounting for financial transactions and required actions.
* Manage a high volume of work in a fast-paced environment while using multiple computer systems to document customer information, generate notices, coordinate internal communications, and access policies, procedures, and other resources.
** 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.);

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.
** Essential Attributes
** We are looking for candidates with:
* Experience adapting communication for clients of diverse ages, cultures, and abilities over the phone or in-person, ensuring clear understanding and respectful engagement.
* Experience using computers to communicate by email, search for information online, enter or retrieve data, and learn new web-based applications.
* Experience accurately entering data and reviewing documents to identify and correct errors or missing information.
* Experience collaborating with team members to accomplish shared goals, coordinate work, and adapt to different perspectives or work approaches.
* Experience handling confidential or sensitive information in accordance with established policies and procedures.
* Experience providing customer service to individuals experiencing traumatic stress, including using de-escalation techniques to address concerns and support positive…