Public Benefits Specialist - Entry

Agency:
Department of Human Services

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

Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:

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! 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 Portland office on SW 5th Avenue assisting Oregonians in‑person. We are centrally located in downtown Portland, with easy access to multiple bus and light‑rail (MAX) lines.

Parking may be available through a post‑tax payroll deduction at the market rate. Our address is 290 SW 5th Avenue. Portland, OR 97204.

• 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 in person, over the phone and by email to resolve any questions or concerns with the online Oregon Eligibility system, for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs.
• Assist Oregonians through a trauma informed lens.
• May be assigned financial duties that 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 delivering inclusive, empathetic customer service to diverse individuals, including those facing financial or emotional hardship.
• Experience communicating complex rules and procedures clearly by adapting messaging to different audiences.
• Demonstrated strong accuracy and attention to detail in data entry, verification, and quality control.
• Experience handling confidential and sensitive information with integrity, sound judgment, and professionalism.
• Demonstrated proficiency with digital tools such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, and online research platforms, with an ongoing commitment to learning.
• Demonstrated effective time management and composure while working autonomously in fast‑paced, high‑pressure environments.
• Experience applying critical thinking and a growth mindset to problem‑solving, decision‑making, and continuous improvement.

Will need to access public transit or a paid parking plan for this work location. Employees have the option to use a pre‑tax commuter benefit plan. 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…