Public Benefits Specialist - Entry | Bilingual English​/Spanish

Initial Posting Date: 11/09/2026 Final date to receive applications: 11/16/2026 Agency:
Department of Human Services Salary Range: $3,798 - $4,954 Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:

Public Benefits Specialist
- Entry | Bilingual Required English/Spanish

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.

Bilingual Required | English & Spanish. To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in English & Spanish. The job offer will be contingent upon passing a speaking test evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements for this position. Upon passing the tests, you will receive 5% bilingual differential pay. Opportunity awaits! Step into a role where your efforts directly empower Oregonians to rise above poverty, become a key player in the Self-Sufficiency Program and facilitate access to vital services that foster equity and well-being.

As a Public Benefits Specialist
- Entry, you will work in our Northeast Portland office on NE Killingsworth Street assisting Oregonians in-person.

• Be the first face of contact in most field offices for Oregonians and provide a welcoming environment for families to interact with the department.
• Support the infrastructure of the office by supporting the day-to-day operation.
• Assist Oregonians in person and by phone to resolve any questions or concerns by providing support with the online Oregon Eligibility application system, for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs.
• Assist Oregonians through a trauma informed lens.
• May be assigned financial duties including tracking, issuing, and accounting for all financial actions and requirements needed.
• Provide support for the business functions within the office.
• Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the Self-Sufficiency Program (SSP).

• To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in Spanish and English.
• 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 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 serving a diverse clientele.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt communication styles to effectively convey complex rules, regulations, and procedures to diverse audiences.
• Skilled in handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information.
• Proficient in navigating various digital platforms, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, and online search tools.
• Experienced in accurately entering and verifying detailed data with a strong focus on precision and quality control.
• Demonstrated expertise in supporting customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.

Attention all candidates! 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 forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history. Please make sure your application materials, resume and job history are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range.

Note:

Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by…