Public Benefits Specialist - Entry | Bilingual English​/Spanish

Public Benefits Specialist - Entry | Bilingual Preferred (English/Spanish)

Job Description:

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.

5 Oak Portland office, 290 SW 5th Avenue, Portland, OR 97204.

Work schedule:

Monday-Friday, traditional work week.

Monthly range: $3,798 – $4,954 (non-PERS). PERS eligible may receive increase.

• Serve as the first point of contact for Oregonians in the office.
• Provide a welcoming environment for families to interact with the department.
• Support day-to-day office operations, including providing agency forms and directing clients to appropriate services or resources.
• Assist clients in person, by phone, and via email with questions or concerns about applications to the Oregon Eligibility system, OHA, DE LC programs.
• Schedule intake appointments for clients seeking assistance.
• Provide support through a trauma-informed lens.
• Perform financial duties such as tracking, issuing, and accounting for all required financial actions.
• Support business functions within the office.
• Learn about the self-sufficiency program (SSP) to effectively provide services.

• Two years of experience working in a reception area or call center with high volume of work (e.g., data entry, ensuring application accuracy).
• Or an associate degree in Behavioral Science, Social Science or related field AND six months of experience in a busy reception area or call center.
• Or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

• Front-line customer service experience serving a diverse clientele.
• Ability to support customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.
• Adapt communication styles to convey complex rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Skill in handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information.
• Accuracy in entering and verifying detailed data with strong precision and quality control.
• Preference for bilingual (Spanish/English) candidates.

• Employee Resource Group communities.
• Cost of living adjustments.
• Annual salary increases up to the top of the listed range.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard preference.

Requires accessing public transit or paid parking; optional pre-tax commuter benefit plan; job involves public interaction, high volume computer work, and flexible application of procedures.

Criminal history and background check for finalists. Adverse history may lead to disqualification.

Include a detailed work and education history on your resume or cover letter. Mention how you meet minimum qualifications and essential attributes.

Recruiter:
Yvette Medford
Email:
Yvette.

C.Medfordgon.gov
Phone: