Public Benefits Specialist, Entry (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry

Initial Posting Date: 08/17/2026 Final date to receive applications: 08/24/2026 Agency:
Department of Human Services Salary Range: $3,798 - $4,954 Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:

Public Benefits Specialist, Entry (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry)

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.

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!

• 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 (2) 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 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.

• Experience scheduling appointments for individuals and vulnerable populations in high-volume environments using person-centered, trauma-informed practices.
• 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 providing front desk customer service and communicating complex information, policies, and procedures clearly and professionally to diverse audiences, both verbally and in writing.
• Experience learning and adapting to new tasks, workflows, and computer systems with minimal supervision, demonstrating quick uptake and consistent accuracy.
• Experience gathering and assessing information from customers to identify needs and determine appropriate services or resources.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, digital databases, answering phones and data entry.

Your work schedule will be Monday - Friday from 8 am - 5 pm in our Oregon City, OR office. 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. 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 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 hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States.

ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. Driver Record Screening:
As part of the pre-employment background check, applicants may be asked to…