Office Specialist 2

Initial posting: 08/21/2026 • Application deadline: 09/06/2026 • Agency: Department of Human Services

About the role

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking an Office Specialist 2 to join our Child Welfare team in La Grande, a rural community in eastern Oregon. This role supports a team dedicated to uplifting and protecting children and families, guided by our Equity North Star and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and records support, including answering phone calls, responding to inquiries, and communicating agency rules and policies.
• Issue and track gas cards, negotiable goods, transportation passes, and parent mileage reimbursements; log all transactions accurately in the records system.
• Support protective services and permanency staff by entering case data and documentation into the OR-Kids database.
• Request and gather relevant records, such as police reports, court documents, and physical or mental health records.

Requirements

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Two years of general clerical experience that includes keyboarding, word processing, or other experience generating documents; OR an associate degree in any field; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills

We are looking for candidates with the following attributes:

• Demonstrated experience conducting work that requires attention to detail.
• Demonstrated experience successfully prioritizing work to meet competing deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to think critically.
• Verbal and written communication skills, including experience serving as a responsive and reliable resource for others.
• Experience using computer systems and Microsoft Office products, including Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Self-motivation, efficient time management, organizational skills, and the ability to take initiative and support others.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating and working successfully with a team.
• Ability to identify when additional guidance or support is needed and proactively seek assistance.
• Ability to adapt with flexibility and ease to changing environments and shifting priorities.

Working Conditions

• Work Locations: Offices and community sites.
• Travel: Occasional travel for meetings, trainings, and case-related activities.
• Hours: Regular work week with fluctuating hours; occasional overtime may be needed, including evenings and weekends.
• Physical Requirements: Occasional physical activity, including lifting up to 50 pounds.
• This role involves handling sensitive topics related to trauma, abuse, and crises, requiring a trauma-informed approach to ensure a safe environment.
• You may interact with individuals who have experienced trauma and may have difficulty managing their emotions.
• Be prepared for stressful situations that require quick decision-making to ensure safety for yourself and others.

Pay

Monthly salary range: $3,515 – $4,738. If you are a PERS member or become PERS-eligible, the salary range increases by 6.95%.

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).
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Additional Information

• This is a permanent, full-time position represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.
• If selected as a finalist, a criminal history and background check will be conducted. Adverse findings may lead to disqualification.
• 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 uses E-Verify.
• Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint-based criminal records check.
• Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers who meet the qualifications will receive candidate preference. Learn more.