Benefit Support Staff; Public Benefits Specialist, Entry

Benefit Support Staff (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry)

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.

As a Benefit Support Staff / Public Benefits Specialist Entry, 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.

• 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.

• Two years of experience working in a reception area or call center either interviewing to obtain information or providing customer service, involving a high volume of work such as data entry and ensuring application accuracy.
• 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.

• 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.

Your work schedule will be 8:15 a.m. – 5:15 p.m., Monday – Friday on‑site at the Corvallis, Oregon ODHS branch office. Hours may fluctuate based on business needs. You will have contact with the public, including with Oregonians experiencing emotional and financial stress. You may be required to sit at a computer or telephone for prolonged periods of the workday.

If selected as a finalist, a criminal history and background check will be conducted. An adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification.

• 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).
• Ample benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Veterans and Oregon National Guard service members (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference.

This is a permanent, full‑time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.