Public Benefits Specialist - Entry | Bilingual English​/Spanish

Position Title

Public Benefits Specialist - Entry | Bilingual Required English/Spanish

08/27/2026

09/03/2026

Department of Human Services

$3,798 - $4,954

Employee

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 Required – English & Spanish

To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in English & Spanish. The job offer will be contingent upon passing a speaking test evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements for this position. Upon passing the tests, you will receive 5% bilingual differential pay.

Opportunity awaits!

Join the Self‑Sufficiency Program and make a direct impact by helping Oregonians navigate essential services and build a more secure future.

As a Public Benefits Specialist-Entry, you will work in our Gresham office 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 be assigned 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).

• To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in Spanish and English. And
• 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.

• Experience providing front-line customer service in a high-volume, fast-paced reception or front desk environment.
• Proven ability to adapt communication styles to effectively convey complex rules, regulations, and procedures to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated expertise in supporting customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.
• Experienced in accurately entering and verifying detailed data.
• Skilled in handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information.
• 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, with an 8.15am-5.15pm shift after training has been completed.
• 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 daily and require the ability to be flexible in application of procedures.
• This position is in the store front office.

• If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check.…