Public Benefits Specialist - Entry

Note:

Effective Feb. 1, 2026, the compensation plan for this position will be increased to reflect a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%. The salary listed in this posting does not reflect the COLA.

Initial Posting Date 01/13/2026

Final date to receive applications 01/20/2026

Agency Department of Human Services

Salary Range $3,705 - $4,833

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 historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others.

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 Portland office on N Lombard 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 in‑person, over the phone or by email to resolve any questions or concerns by providing support with the online Oregon Eligibility system, for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs.
• Assisting Oregonians through a trauma informed lens.
• May include financial desk responsibilities.
• Providing support for the business functions within the office.
• Additional Case Aide support provided to the Family Coaches by coordinating appointments, managing communications, and assisting with referrals and case documentation. Collaborate with community partners, participate in home visits, and engage directly with families to ensure timely services and access to resources. This role plays a key part in maintaining accurate records and fostering strong agency partnerships.

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 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; 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, serving a diverse clientele.
• Demonstrated expertise in supporting customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.
• Proven ability to adapt communication styles to effectively convey complex rules, regulations, and procedures to diverse audiences, while demonstrating strong active listening skills.
• Skilled in handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information with a high degree of integrity and discretion.
• Experienced in accurately entering and verifying detailed data with a strong focus on precision and quality control.
• Proficient in navigating various digital platforms, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, and online search tools.

• Work schedule is a traditional 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…