Public Benefits Specialist Entry

Salary Range: $3,798 - $4,954

Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:

Public Benefits Specialist

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.

As a Public Benefits Specialist - Entry, you will work in our Klamath Falls office assisting Oregonians in-person. In Oregon, we believe that every individual deserves the right to live their best life, supported by person-centered services that prioritize independence, safety, and cultural respect - join us in making this vision a reality.

• Support the infrastructure of the office by supporting the day-to-day operation, including providing agency forms and directing Oregonians to appropriate services or resources.
• Provide backup support to Lakeview office when necessary.
• Assist Oregonians by providing support in person, over the phone and by email to resolve any questions or concerns with the application for Oregon Eligibility system, for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs.
• Issue and receive EBT cards, help clients resolve EBT card problems and ensure the security, control, and maintenance of the EBT process is in place.
• Assisting Oregonians through a trauma informed lens - creating a welcoming environment for the public.
• Financial duties that may include tracking, issuing, and accounting for all financial actions and requirements needed.
• Providing support for the business functions within the office.
• Be the first face of contact in most field offices for Oregonians and provide a welcoming environment for families to interact with the department.

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

• Customer Service:
  Experience providing front-line customer service and, on the phone, serving a diverse clientele.
• Information Technology:
  Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other software for scheduling, data entry, documentation, and internal communication, supporting smooth office operations and client service delivery.
• Time Management:
  Experience using time management, organization, and prioritization skills to track and complete tasks.
• De-escalation:
  De-escalate high-stress situations, using clear communication and consistent approaches to resolve conflict and stabilize clients.
• Communication:
  Demonstrated ability to adapt communication styles to effectively in written and verbally to convey complex rules, regulations, and procedures to diverse audiences.
• Customer Care:
  Demonstrated expertise in supporting customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.
• Confidentiality:
  Skilled in handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information.

The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

Work schedule is a traditional work week, Monday-Friday 8AM - 5PM; hours of work may fluctuate based on service needs. Occasionally, overtime compensation may be required, including evening and weekend work. Occasional travel is required for attending meetings, training, and other case related activities. May need to travel to Lakeview to provide support. Some travel may be in hazardous weather conditions.

Experience constant contact with the public, including contact with and possibly de-escalating customers experiencing emotional and financial stress. Experience high volume of computer work, using various computer programs in a fast-paced team environment. Priorities and procedures may change daily and require the ability to be flexible in application of procedures. This position is in the store front office.

If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information. The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of…