Benefit Support Staff (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry)

About the role

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking a Benefit Support Staff / Public Benefits Specialist Entry to join our team. This position offers the opportunity to provide specialized support and make a lasting impact on the community.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to a welcoming environment as families interact with the department.
• Greet and assist customers and colleagues through a trauma-informed lens.
• Aid customers applying for programs such as medical, cash for families (TANF), Domestic Violence services, food benefits (SNAP), childcare assistance (ERDC), and long-term care services.
• Obtain initial information from customers in-person, by phone, and via our online applicant portal to provide status updates about their case, answer other inquiries, and provide information on how to access community resources.
• Work within a team that collaboratively rotates tasks to support the business needs of the office.
• Complete a high volume of work in a fast-paced environment using various computer programs to track customer details, generate system notices, coordinate internal communication, and document or reference procedures, policies, and processes.

Requirements

• Two years of experience working in a reception area or call center either interviewing to obtain information or providing customer service, with a high volume of work.
• An associate degree in a Behavioral Science, Social Science, or a closely related field, combined with six months of experience working in a busy reception area or call center.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience relative to the class concept.

Essential Attributes

• Experience adapting communication style to explain complex processes and/or outcomes to people with diverse communication and learning styles.
• Experience with technical skills that include basic computer and search engine knowledge, email communication, and learning new web-based platforms.
• Experience conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents.
• Experience working collaboratively with others as part of a diverse team who may have different work styles and personalities.
• Experience handling confidential information with unwavering professionalism, holding self and others to high standards of honesty and integrity.

Benefits

• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
• Awesome benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.