Public Benefits Specialist-Entry

About the role

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist-Entry to join our team in Pendleton. This position serves as the primary point of contact in field offices, supporting daily office operations, and assisting Oregonians with public benefits.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact in field offices, creating a welcoming and trauma-informed environment for Oregonians seeking services.
• Support daily office operations, including business functions, financial tasks, and general administrative needs.
• Aid Oregonians in person, by phone, and by email with questions related to ODHS, OHA, and DELC programs, including navigation of the ONE eligibility system.
• Gather and enter demographic and program information into the ONE system for programs such as SNAP, OHP, TANF, ERDC, and related benefits.
• Review forms and documentation for completeness and accuracy, resolve discrepancies, and troubleshoot issues such as benefit concerns or scheduling needs.
• Issue and document EBT cards, process voter registration forms, and provide computer-generated medical IDs when needed.
• Maintain confidential information in accordance with policy and safeguard sensitive data.
• Process Home Care Worker applications, maintain related records, assist with orientation scheduling, and help resolve payment issues.
• Manage incoming and outgoing mail, including sorting, date-stamping, routing, and applying postage.
• Provide resource and referral information to individuals seeking services and direct them to appropriate staff or community partners.
• Print and distribute reports and other office materials as needed.

Requirements

• 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.).
• 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 working independently to complete tasks and projects with minimal oversight.
• Experience managing tasks from multiple sources, adjusting priorities as needs shift.
• Proficient experience with digital tools, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, and online search tools.
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with community partners and private business owners to support shared goals.
• Experience providing compassionate, patient support to customers experiencing financial or emotional stress while maintaining professionalism.

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 Yvette Medford. Email: Yvette.C.Medford@odhs.oregon.gov Phone (call or text): 541-709-0306