Benefits Support Staff; Public Benefits Specialist, Entry

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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.

Our Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) Enterprise team is seeking a talented individual who is dedicated to providing quality customer service through a trauma‑informed lens. The role is based in rural eastern Oregon, Enterprise office, and is a permanent, full‑time employee position.

• Be the first face of contact in the office for Oregonians and provide a welcoming environment for individuals and families to interact with the department.
• Support the infrastructure of the office by supporting the day‑to‑day operation.
• Assisting Oregonians through a trauma‑informed lens in person, over the phone and via email.
• Provide front desk assistance, answer phone calls, and guide clients to the right services.
• Distribute mail, handle case transfers, and manage emails.
• Schedule appointments and issue financial negotiables like Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards and checks.
• Review all applications, paperwork, and documentation submitted in person or electronically for completeness and accuracy.
• Document all interactions and records through the ONE and TRACS system.
• Maintain an organized and clean work area, ensuring efficient lobby flow and customer service.
• Use various computer systems and databases to manage information for the agency and clients.

• 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 completeness.
• 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.

• Experience providing front‑line customer service in a high‑volume reception or front desk environment.
• Experience interviewing, obtaining, and evaluating information for customers to access services.
• Experience adapting communication styles to effectively convey complex rules, regulations and procedures.
• Experience maintaining organization while swiftly adapting to shifting priorities and new responsibilities.
• Experience providing compassionate, patient support to customers experiencing financial or emotional stress while maintaining professionalism.
• Experience with intermediate‑level digital tools and platforms, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, email systems, and web‑based applications; able to efficiently navigate, research, reconcile, and validate data across multiple online sources.

Duty performed in the Enterprise, Oregon office.

Work schedule:

Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm PT, with possible fluctuations based on service needs. The role involves interaction with individuals experiencing trauma or emotional distress. Substantial time will be spent stationary while operating a computer.

Selected finalists will be subject to a criminal history and background check. Adverse findings may lead to disqualification.

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Annual salary increases until the top of the listed salary range is reached.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Veterans and Oregon National Guard service members who meet the qualifications of the position are 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.

For accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions, or job‑specific questions, contact the recruiter:
Cris Jansen.
Job requisition number: REQ‑201970.
Email:
Crista.jansengon.gov