Public Benefits Specialist - Entry | Bilingual Preferred English/Spanish

About the role

The Oregon Department of Human Services seeks a Public Benefits Specialist - Entry to join our team in Ontario. This role serves diverse communities and supports access to vital services fostering equity and well-being.

Responsibilities

• Provide a welcoming environment for families to interact with the department.
• Support the infrastructure of the office by supporting the day-to-day operation.
• Assist Oregonians in person, by phone or email to resolve any questions or concerns by providing support with the online Oregon Eligibility system, for ODHS, OHA, and DELC programs.
• Support Oregonians through a trauma-informed lens.
• May be assigned financial duties that include tracking, issuing, and accounting for all financial actions and requirements needed.
• Provide support for the business functions within the office.
• Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP).

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.

Essential Attributes

• Experience providing customer service serving a diverse clientele.
• Skilled in handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt communication styles to effectively convey complex rules, regulations, and procedures to diverse audiences.
• Proficient in navigating various digital platforms, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, and online search tools.
• Experienced in accurately entering and verifying detailed data.
• Demonstrated expertise in supporting customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.

Qualifications

Bilingual proficiency will be considered as a tiebreaker among equally qualified finalists.

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.

Schedule

This position works a traditional Monday-Friday schedule.

Pay

The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.

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