Public Benefits Specialist Entry, (Public Benefits Specialist Entry)

Initial Posting Date: 07/30/2026 • Application Deadline: 08/06/2026 • Agency: Department of Human Services • Salary Range: $3,798 - $4,954/month

About the role

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist Entry to join our Aging & People with Disabilities (APD) team in Hillsboro, Oregon. This role is the first point of contact in the office, delivering professional, respectful, and culturally responsive customer service while fostering an inclusive, equitable, and discrimination-free environment for clients, coworkers, and community partners.

Our vision is that Oregon’s older adults, people with disabilities, and their families experience person-centered services, supports, and early interventions that maintain independence, promote safety and well-being, honor choice, respect cultural preferences, and uphold dignity. Your work will help people access the supports they need to live their best lives in the communities they choose.

Responsibilities

• Deliver professional, respectful, and culturally responsive customer service as the first point of contact in the office.
• Manage administrative operations, including phone and email communications, mail processing, electronic records management, task tracking, meeting coordination, and data entry in agency systems.
• Provide eligibility support by explaining benefits, notices, program requirements, application procedures, and available community resources while maintaining accurate case documentation.
• Schedule appointments and apply agency policies, procedures, and regulations to make informed decisions, maintain case records, and ensure accurate and timely processing of client services.
• Connect individuals and families with community resources and support services.
• Apply crisis intervention and conflict resolution techniques to de-escalate emotionally charged situations, ensuring safety and professionalism.

Requirements

• Two (2) years of experience working in a reception area or call center, either interviewing to obtain information or providing high-volume customer service (e.g., data entry, verifying application completeness, completing documents).
• 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

• Experience scheduling appointments for individuals and vulnerable populations in high-volume environments using person-centered, trauma-informed practices.
• Ability to apply crisis intervention and conflict resolution techniques to de-escalate emotionally charged situations.
• Experience providing front-desk customer service and communicating complex information, policies, and procedures clearly and professionally to diverse audiences, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new tasks, workflows, and computer systems with minimal supervision, demonstrating quick uptake and consistent accuracy.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, digital databases, phone systems, and data entry.

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced, high-volume office environment with cubicles; work may be frequently interrupted, and noise levels can be high.
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM in Hillsboro, OR. Occasionally, compensated overtime may be required or voluntary, including evenings and weekends.
• Frequent communication with Oregon residents over the phone and in-person, including individuals experiencing trauma, emotional distress, or financial hardship.
• May require prolonged sitting at a terminal or telephone.
• Consistent attendance and flexibility/adaptability are essential due to regular policy, program, and technical adjustments.

Background Checks

• If selected as a finalist, a criminal history and background check will be conducted. Adverse findings may lead to disqualification.
• No visa sponsorship is offered. Within three days of hire, you must complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form to confirm work authorization. ODHS uses E-Verify.
• Applicants may be asked to complete a driving record review as part of the pre-employment background check. A driving record that does not meet agency standards will not disqualify you if driving is not an essential function of the position.

Benefits

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
• Cost-of-living adjustments and annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

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.