Benefits Support Staff; Public Benefits Specialist, Entry

Benefits Support Staff (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.

Are you fluent in English and Spanish? Our diverse communities' benefit from bilingual support. While not a requirement, preference will be given to candidates who have this valuable skill.

Opportunity awaits!

Join our team as a Benefits Support Staff (Public Benefit Specialist, Entry), where you'll play a pivotal role in providing exceptional office support and creating a welcoming environment for our clients.

Summary of Duties

As a Benefits Support Staff, you will:

• Provide front desk help, answering phone calls, and guiding clients to the right services.
• Distribute mail, handle case transfers, and manage emails.
• Schedule appointments and issue financial negotiables like Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards and checks.
• Review all applications, paperwork, and documentation given in person or electronically for completeness and accuracy.
• Document all interactions and records through the ONE system.
• Create a welcoming environment for the public through various forms of communication.
• Maintain an organized and clean work area, ensuring efficient lobby flow and customer service.
• Use various computer systems and databases to manage information for the agency and clients.

Minimum Qualifications

A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.

• 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.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience managing multiple tasks, staying organized, keeping accuracy, and meeting deadlines.
• Experience providing fair, culturally responsive service to people with diverse backgrounds and identities.
• Experience handling confidential information professionally and in line with policies or procedures.
• Experience interacting with others in a respectful, courteous, and dependable manner while following workplace expectations and policies.
• Experience working collaboratively with a team to share responsibilities and support daily operations.
• Experience learning and applying new systems, policies, workflows, and schedule changes.

Preference will be given to candidates that are bilingual in Spanish and English.

Working Conditions

• Duties for this role will be performed in the local office.
• Occasional travel is needed within the community to support administrative tasks, and work in other offices as needed.
• The work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm PT, with possible fluctuations based on service needs.
• You may interact with individuals experiencing trauma or emotional distress, and there may be times when individuals have difficulty managing their emotional responses.
• You may meet situations requiring quick decision-making to ensure your safety or the safety of others.

Attention all candidates! Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history.

• Your application materials are used to determine your starting salary range. Please ensure that all education and experience you would like considered are included in your application materials.
  
  Note:
  
  Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. You can attach multiple files in this area at once.
• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age,…