Initial Posting Date:
09/30/2026
Application Deadline:
10/07/2026
Agency:
Department of Human Services
Salary Range:
$3,798 – $4,954
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Public Benefits Specialist – Entry | Bilingual Required
Job Description:
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 test evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements for this position. 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 Oregon Eligibility Partnership and facilitate access to vital services that foster equity and well-being.
As a Public Benefits Specialist – Entry, you will work in our Alberta – Portland office on N Webster Street assisting Oregonians in person.
Summary of Duties
As a Public Benefits Specialist – Entry, you will:
· 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 in person, over the phone and through email to resolve any questions or concerns with the online Oregon Eligibility system, for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs.
- Assist Oregonians through a trauma informed lens.
- May be assigned financial duties that include tracking, issuing, and accounting for all financial actions and requirements needed.
- Provide support for the business functions within the office.
Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP).
Minimum Qualifications
- Bilingual language skills 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.
Essential Attributes
- We are looking for candidates with:
- Background in providing front-line support to diverse communities and clients.
- Demonstrated ability to adjust communication approaches to clearly explain complex rules, regulations, and procedures to varied audiences.
- 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.
- Experienced in accurately entering and verifying detailed data.
- Demonstrated capability to provide sensitive, respectful support to customers navigating financial or emotional circumstances.
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.
- Please make sure your application materials, resume and job history are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
- The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification.
- The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.
Working Conditions
- 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 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.
Background Checks and Requirements
- If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information.
- The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.
- May require a valid driver’s license or other acceptable method of transportation.
Benefits
- ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
- Cost of Living Adjustments.
- Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
- Amazing benefits package.
- Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Employment Preference
Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard preference:
- Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.
General Information
- 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 once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.
- This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.
Contact Information
We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions.
- The recruiter for this position is Yvette Medford. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number.
- Email: Yvette.C.Medford@odhs.oregon.gov
- Phone (call or text): 541-709-0306
Come for a job. | Stay for a career. | Make a difference… for a lifetime!