Public Benefits Specialist - Entry | Bilingual Preferred English/Spanish

Initial posting date: 08/05/2026 • Application deadline: 08/12/2026

About the role

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist - Entry to work in the Northwest Portland office on NE Killingsworth Street. In this role, you will be the first point of contact for Oregonians, assisting them in person, by phone, or email with the online Oregon Eligibility system for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs. You will support office operations, provide trauma-informed assistance, and may handle financial duties such as tracking and issuing payments.

We serve diverse communities and encourage bilingual candidates (English/Spanish) to apply. If you are bilingual and pass the language test, you will receive a 5% bilingual differential pay.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the first point of contact for Oregonians in field offices, providing a welcoming environment.
• Support day-to-day office operations and business functions.
• Assist Oregonians with the online Oregon Eligibility system for ODHS, OHA, and DELC programs via in-person, phone, or email interactions.
• Provide support through a trauma-informed lens.
• May perform financial duties, including tracking, issuing, and accounting for financial actions.
• Assist with resolving questions or concerns related to program eligibility and services.

Requirements

• Two years of experience in a reception area or call center, involving high-volume work such as interviewing, data entry, or customer service; OR
• An associate degree in Behavioral Science, Social Science, or a closely related field AND six months of experience in a busy reception area or call center; OR
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Skills

• Front-line customer service experience serving a diverse clientele.
• Ability to adapt communication styles to convey complex rules, regulations, and procedures effectively.
• Skill in handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information.
• Proficiency in digital platforms such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, and online search tools.
• Experience with accurate data entry and verification, emphasizing precision and quality control.
• Expertise in supporting customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.

Preference will be given to bilingual candidates (Spanish/English) in the event of a tie.

Working Conditions

• Traditional work schedule: Monday–Friday.
• Constant public interaction, including de-escalating situations with customers experiencing emotional or financial stress.
• High volume of computer work in a fast-paced team environment.
• Priorities and procedures may change daily, requiring flexibility.
• Position is located in the storefront office.

Background Checks

• Criminal history and background check required for finalists; adverse results may lead to disqualification.
• No visa sponsorship offered.
• Must complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form within three days of hire (E-Verify used).
• May require a valid driver’s license or other acceptable transportation method.

Benefits

• Employee Resource Groups promoting shared learning.
• Cost of Living Adjustments and annual salary increases (until reaching the top of the salary range).
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Pay

Monthly salary range: $3,798 – $4,954. If you are a PERS member or become eligible, the salary range increases by 6.95%.

Additional Information

• This is a permanent, full-time position represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.
• Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers may receive employment preference.