Public Benefits Specialist - Entry | Bilingual Required English/Spanish

About the role

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking a bilingual Public Benefits Specialist-Entry to join our team in Gresham. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a direct impact by assisting Oregonians in navigating essential services and building a more secure future.

Responsibilities

• Be the first point of contact for Oregonians in most field offices, providing a welcoming environment.
• Support the infrastructure of the office by assisting with day-to-day operations.
• Assist Oregonians with the online Oregon Eligibility system for ODHS, OHA, and DELC programs, resolving any questions or concerns.
• Provide support to Oregonians facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.
• Accurately enter and verify detailed data, handle, collect, and safeguard confidential and sensitive information.
• Navigate various digital platforms, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, and online search tools.

Requirements

• Bilingual in Spanish and English (job offer contingent on passing a speaking test).
• Two years of experience working in a reception area or call center, either interviewing to obtain information or providing customer service (high volume work).
• An associate degree in Behavioral Science, Social Science, or a closely related field (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.

Essential Attributes

• Experience providing front-line customer service in a high-volume, fast-paced reception or front desk environment.
• Proven ability to adapt communication styles to effectively convey complex rules, regulations, and procedures to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated expertise in supporting customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.
• Skilled in handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information.
• Proficient in navigating various digital platforms, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, and online search tools.

Benefits

• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Annual salary increases (until reaching the top of the listed salary range).
• Awesome benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.