Public Benefits Specialist, Entry (Benefit Support Staff). Bilingual Spanish Required.

About the role

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking a bilingual Public Benefits Specialist, Entry to support the day-to-day operations of the office. This position requires duties to be performed in both English and Spanish.

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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Skills

None specified in the job posting.

Benefits

• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
• Amazing 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 Newport, Oregon ODHS branch office.