Public Benefits Specialist, Entry | Bilingual English​/not required

Position: Public Benefits Specialist, Entry | Bilingual English/Spanish preferred - not required
## Public Benefits Specialist, Entry | Bilingual English/Spanish preferred - not required
** Opportunity awaits!
** Join a mission that matters!  As a Public Benefits Specialist, Entry, you will help Oregon’s older adults, people with disabilities, and their families access innovative, person-centered services and supports that uphold dignity, promote independence, and respect cultural preferences. Your work will make a direct impact—ensuring individuals receive the assistance they need to thrive in the communities they choose at every stage of life.

Be part of a team dedicated to safety, well-being, and honoring choice! Our vision is that Oregon’s older adults, people with disabilities and their families experience person-centered services, supports and early interventions that are innovative and help maintain independence, promote safety and well-being, honor choice, respect cultural preferences and uphold dignity. The services provided help people access the supports they need to live their best lives — in the communities they choose and at every stage of life.

We are seeking a committed and detail-oriented Public Benefits Specialist, Entry | Bilingual English/Spanish preferred - not required to join our dynamic Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) team in Canby. As Public Benefits Specialist, Entry, you will provide:
* Your primary role will encompass calling case managed clients and scheduling them for appointments to renew their benefits.
* Assist with front desk reception tasks, managing both telephone and walk-in inquiries.
* Answer incoming calls, assess the nature of the inquiry, and provide accurate information.
* Direct calls to appropriate staff members or forward to voicemail when unavailable.
* Greet visitors upon arrival, assess the purpose of their visit, and guide them to the appropriate staff member or program area.
* Screen and direct walk-in clients and callers for referral to external community services and resources, including local, state, and federal agencies.
* Utilize agency referral forms and apply effective communication skills to assess client needs.
* Provide clerical support services to case managers and eligibility workers including filing client information, packaging and labeling case files, data entry and retrieve information about clients for staff.
* 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.

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
* *** Please make sure your application materials, including your resume and job history are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range.
** If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is listed as a minimum qualification for the position, please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process.
*
* Note:

** Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
* This role involves handling sensitive topics related to trauma, abuse, and crises, requiring a trauma-informed approach that is essential to ensure a safe environment.
* You may interact with individuals who have experienced trauma and may have difficulty managing their emotions.
* Be prepared for stressful situations that require quick decision-making to ensure safety for yourself and others.
* Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard service members (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit* . Please do not attach your Veterans’ preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application.
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