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 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 who are 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Pay

$3,798 - $4,954 per month.

Schedule

8:15 a.m. – 5:15 p.m., Monday – Friday on-site and in-person at the Corvallis, Oregon ODHS branch office. Hours may fluctuate based on business needs.

Qualifications

Two years of experience working in a reception area or call center either interviewing to obtain information or providing customer service. 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. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience relative to the class concept.

Skills

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.

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 Heather Whelan. Email: Heather.S.Whelan@odhs.oregon.gov Phone (call or text): 503-979-8682