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 (Benefit Support Staff). This position requires proficiency in both English and Spanish and offers opportunities for career growth in a supportive and diverse environment.

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 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 the online applicant portal to provide status updates, answer inquiries, and provide information on accessing community resources.
• Work within a team that collaboratively rotates tasks to support the office's business needs.
• Handle 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, involving a high volume of work (e.g., data entry, ensuring application information is complete and accurate, completing necessary documents, etc.).
• An associate degree in a Behavioral Science, Social Science, or a closely related field, combined with six months of experience in a busy reception area or call center.
• 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 including 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

Candidates should clearly demonstrate how they meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in their application materials. A detailed work and education history is required. If a degree is listed as a minimum qualification, applicants must be prepared to provide verification of their completed education.

Benefits

• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Annual salary increases (until reaching the top of the listed salary range).
• Amazing benefits package.
• Possibility of 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.