Public Benefits Specialist - Entry - Bilingual English​/Spanish

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The
Oregon Department of Human Services
is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Starand 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. Employment is contingent upon passing a speaking assessment.
Candidates who meet the bilingual proficiency standards will receive a 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 the Hood River office assisting Oregonians in-person
.

Summary of Duties

As a Public Benefits Specialist Entry, you will:

• Be the first face of contact in most field offices 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.

• Assist Oregonians in person, by phone or email to resolve any questions or concerns by providing support with the Oregon Eligibility application, for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs.

• Assisting Oregonians through a trauma informed lens.

• Financial duties that include tracking, issuing, and accounting for all financial actions and requirements needed.

• Providing 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).

Minimum Qualifications

• To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in Spanish and English.

• Two years of experience working in a reception area or call centereither 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 centereither interviewing to obtain information or providing customer service; OR

• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience relative to the class concept.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience supporting customers or clients by answering questions about programs, services, and individual cases.

• Experience providing timely, accurate information in a customer‑service environment.

• Proven ability to learn and apply new or updated policies, procedures, systems, and programs in daily work.

• Experience providing customer service serving a diverse clientele.

• 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.

• 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…