Public Benefits Specialist - Entry | Bilingual English​/Russian

Initial Posting Date: 09/30/2026

Final date to receive applications: 10/07/2026

Agency:
Department of Human Services

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

Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:

Public Benefits Specialist
- Entry | Bilingual Preferred English/Russian

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 & Russian

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 Self-Sufficiency Program and facilitate access to vital services that foster equity and well-being. As a Public Benefits Specialist
- Entry, you will work in our East Portland office on NE Glisan 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 have duties that include financial desk responsibilities.
• Provide support for the business functions within the office.
• Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the Self-Sufficiency Program (SSP).

• 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 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.

• Extensive experience providing front-line customer service in a high-volume, fast-paced reception or front desk environment.
• Proven demonstrated ability to adapt communication styles to effectively convey complex rules, regulations, and procedures to diverse audiences, while demonstrating strong active listening skills.
• Demonstrated expertise in supporting customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.
• Experienced in accurately entering and verifying detailed data with a strong focus on precision and quality control.
• Skilled in handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information with a high degree of integrity and discretion.
• Proficient in navigating various…