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.

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, apply today!

As a Public Benefits Specialist-Entry
, you will work in the Pendleton office on Southgate Place assisting Oregonians in-person
.

• Serve as the primary point of contact in field offices, creating a welcoming and trauma‑informed environment for Oregonians seeking services.
• Support daily office operations, including business functions, financial tasks, and general administrative needs.
• Assist Oregonians in person, by phone, and by email with questions related to ODHS, OHA, and DELC programs, including navigation of the ONE eligibility system.
• Gather and enter demographic and program information into the ONE system for programs such as SNAP, OHP, TANF, ERDC, and related benefits.
• Review forms and documentation for completeness and accuracy, resolve discrepancies, and troubleshoot issues such as benefit concerns or scheduling needs.
• Issue and document EBT cards, process voter registration forms, and provide computer‑generated medical IDs when needed.
• Maintain confidential information in accordance with policy and safeguard sensitive data.
• Process Home Care Worker applications, maintain related records, assist with orientation scheduling, and help resolve payment issues.
• Manage incoming and outgoing mail, including sorting, date‑stamping, routing, and applying postage.
• Provide resource and referral information to individuals seeking services and direct them to appropriate staff or community partners.
• Print and distribute reports and other office materials as needed.

Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the Aging & People with Disabilities Programs (APD).

• 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.

• Experience working independently to complete tasks and projects with minimal oversight.
• Experience managing tasks from multiple sources, adjusting priorities as needs shift.
• Proficient experience with digital tools, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, and online search tools.
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with community partners and private business owners to support shared goals.
• Experience providing compassionate, patient support to customers experiencing financial or emotional stress while maintaining professionalism.

• Position works a professional work week, Monday thru Friday, 8am-5pm.
• Works in a general office environment.
• This position may involve interacting with individuals who are experiencing distress or heightened emotions, and there may be situations where exposure to communicable illnesses is possible.
• Day travel may be required regularly within the service area.
• Some overnight travel may be required for training and/or support other offices.

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