Public Benefits Specialist - Entry | Bilingual Preferred English​/Spanish

Initial Posting Date: 08/05/2026 Final date to receive applications: 08/12/2026 Agency:
Department of Human Services Salary Range: $3,798 - $4,954 Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:

Public Benefits Specialist
- Entry | Bilingual Preferred English/Spanish

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.

Bilingual Preferred
- English & Spanish You do not need to be bilingual to apply for or be considered for this position. If you are bilingual, we encourage you to apply! We serve diverse communities and recognize the importance of serving people in their preferred language. If interested in using your bilingual language skills, upon passing the test, you will receive 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 Oregon Eligibility Partnership and facilitate access to vital services that foster equity and well-being. As a Public Benefits Specialist
- Entry, you will work in our Northwest Portland office on NE Killingsworth Street assisting Oregonians in-person.

• Be the first face of contact in most field offices for Oregonians and provide a welcoming environment for families to interact with the department.
• Support the infrastructure of the office by supporting the day-to-day operation.
• Assist Oregonians by providing support with the online Oregon Eligibility system, for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs in person, by phone or email to resolve any questions or concerns.
• Assist Oregonians through a trauma informed lens.
• May be assigned financial duties include tracking, issuing, and accounting for all financial actions and requirements needed.
• Provide support for the business functions within the office.
• Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP).

• 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.

• Experience providing front-line customer service serving a diverse clientele.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt communication styles to effectively convey complex rules, regulations, and procedures to diverse audiences.
• Skilled in handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information.
• Proficient in navigating various digital platforms, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, and online search tools.
• Experienced in accurately entering and verifying detailed data with a strong focus on precision and quality control.
• Demonstrated expertise in supporting customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.
• In the event of a tie between candidates, preference will be given to those who are bilingual in Spanish and English.

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
• Amazing benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

• Work schedule is a tradition work week, Monday-Friday.
• 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.
• 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…