Benefits Support Staff; Public Benefits Specialist - Entry

Position Title: Benefits Support Staff (Public Benefits Specialist – Entry)

Agency: Department of Human Services

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

• Travel throughout the district to provide in‑person coverage in other offices as needed.
• 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.
• Perform financial duties that include tracking, issuing, and accounting for all financial actions and requirements needed.
• Provide support for the business functions within the office.

• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required.
• 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); OR
• 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 described role.

• Experience providing front‑line customer service in a high‑volume, fast‑paced environment, serving a diverse clientele.
• Experience handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information with integrity and discretion.
• Experience adapting communication styles to effectively convey complex rules, regulations, and procedures to diverse audiences.
• Experience navigating various digital platforms, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, and online search tools.
• Experience accurately entering and verifying detailed data.
• Experience supporting customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.

• Work schedule is 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday on‑site and in‑person at the La Grande or an otherwise assigned ODHS branch office within Baker, Union and Wallowa counties.
• Constant contact with the public, including contact with and possibly de‑escalating customers experiencing emotional and financial stress.
• High volume of computer work, using various computer programs in a fast‑paced team environment.
• Priorities and procedures may change daily and require flexibility in application of procedures.
• Works in the storefront office.

• If selected as a finalist, a criminal history and background check will be conducted. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification.
• Within three days of hire, completion of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s I‑9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States and use of E‑Verify is required.

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

• Veterans and Oregon National Guard service members (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference.

• This is a permanent, full‑time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
• The salary range listed is the non‑PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.
• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.