Public Benefits Specialist - Entry - Bilingual English​/Spanish

Overview

Position Title Public Benefits Specialist - Entry - Bilingual Required English/Spanish!

Initial Posting Date 02/04/2026

Final date to receive applications 02/25/2026

Agency Department of Human Services

Salary Range $3,798 - $4,954

Position Type Employee

Job Description The Oregon Department of Human Services is 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 historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help achieve 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 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 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.
• Assist 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).

• To qualify, you must be bilingual in Spanish and English.
• Two years of experience working in a reception area or call center with high-volume work (e.g., data entry, ensuring information on applications is complete and accurate, completing necessary documents); OR
• An associate degree in a Behavioral Science, Social Science or closely related field AND six months of experience in a busy reception area or call center; OR
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience relative to the class concept.

• Experience supporting customers or clients by answering questions about programs, services, and individual cases.
• Experience providing timely, accurate information in a customer-service environment.
• Ability to learn and apply new or updated policies, procedures, systems, and programs in daily work.
• Experience providing customer service to a diverse clientele.
• Skilled in handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information.
• Proficient in navigating digital platforms, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, and online search tools.
• Demonstrated ability to support customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.

Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your materials will determine if you move forward in the selection process. Include detailed work and education history.

• Ensure your application materials, resume and job history, are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range. Resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates during the application process.
• Use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during…