Branch Operations Support (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry) Bilingual English & Spanish Preferred

Position Title

Branch Operations Support (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry) Bilingual English & Spanish Preferred

08/13/2026

08/20/2026

Department of Human Services

$3,798 - $4,954

Employee

Branch Operations Support (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry) Bilingual English & Spanish Preferred

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.

Are you fluent in English & Spanish? Our diverse communities benefit from bilingual support. While not a requirement, preference will be given to candidates who possess this valuable skill.

Opportunity awaits! Are you looking to make a difference in people's lives? Do you want to learn and grow professionally while experiencing meaningful work? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

As a Public Benefits Specialist Entry
, you will:

• Be the first face of contact in the office by delivering professional, respectful, and culturally responsive customer service while fostering an inclusive, equitable, and discrimination-free environment for clients, coworkers, and community partners.
• Manage administrative operations including phone and email communications, mail processing, electronic records management, task tracking, meeting coordination, and data entry in agency systems.
• Provide eligibility support by explaining benefits, notices, program requirements, application procedures, and available community resources, while maintaining accurate case documentation.
• Apply agency policies, procedures, and regulations to make informed decisions, maintain case records, and ensure accurate and timely processing of client services.
• Connects individuals and families with community resources and support services.

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.

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience providing front desk customer service and communicating complex information, policies, and procedures clearly and professionally to diverse audiences, both verbally and in writing.
• Experience gathering and assessing information from customers to identify needs and determine appropriate services or resources.
• Experience scheduling appointments, explaining rules, regulations and procedures for a program/service for individuals and vulnerable populations in high-volume environments using person-centered, trauma-informed practices.
• Experience maintaining accuracy and attention to detail when processing, entering, and verifying data.
• Experienced in applying crisis intervention and conflict resolution techniques to de-escalate emotionally charged situations, ensuring the safety and well-being of clients, families, and staff while maintaining a calm and professional demeanor.
• Experience learning and adapting to new tasks, workflows, and computer systems with minimal supervision, demonstrating quick uptake and consistent accuracy.

Preference will be given to candidates that are bilingual in Spanish and English.

• You will work in a fast paced high-volume office environment.
• Our office is constructed of cubicles, so work is often interrupted, and noise level is sometimes high.
• Your work schedule will be Monday - Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm in our Hillsboro, OR office.
• Occasionally, compensated overtime may be required or voluntary, including evening and weekend work.
• You will communicate with Oregon residents frequently over the phone and in-person.
• May require sitting at a terminal or telephone for prolonged periods of the workday.
• You will interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may be experiencing emotional and/or financial distress.
• Consistent attendance is essential.
• Flexibility/adaptability is essential due to a changing environment with regular policy, program, and technical adjustments.

• If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and…