Public Benefits Specialist. Bilingual English/Spanish Required

About the role

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist who is bilingual in English and Spanish. This position plays a crucial role in the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP), which determines eligibility for various benefits through the ONE eligibility system.

Responsibilities

• Communicate decisions regarding the approval or denial of benefits or services to diverse audiences.
• Complete tasks or projects in a fast-paced, high-volume business setting with attention to detail.
• Handle confidential or sensitive situations with professionalism and integrity.
• Develop collaborative relationships with internal and external partners.
• Provide customer service that is person-centered and trauma-informed.

Requirements

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• One year of experience working at the Human Services Specialist 1 level for the State of Oregon; OR two years of experience working with the public, providing assistance and interpreting and applying policies, rules, or guidelines; OR an associate degree in a Behavioral Science, Social Science or a closely related field AND six months of experience working with the public, providing assistance and interpreting and applying policies, rules, or guidelines; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience relative to the class concept.

Qualifications

• Experience communicating complex information to diverse audiences.
• Experience handling confidential or sensitive situations with professionalism.
• Experience developing collaborative relationships with internal and external partners.
• Experience providing customer service that is person-centered and trauma-informed.

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to handle confidential information.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

Benefits

• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
• Awarded 5% of base pay as a bilingual differential.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility.

Pay

$4,519 - $5,988 annually.

Schedule

This is a permanent, full-time position with a flexible work schedule as needed.