Public Benefits Specialist Entry, (Public Benefits Specialist Entry)

Initial Posting Date: 07/24/2026 • Application Deadline: 08/02/2026 • Agency: Department of Human Services • Salary Range: $3,798 - $4,954 monthly

About the role

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

The services provided help people access supports they need to live their best lives—in the communities they choose and at every stage of life. Your work will directly contribute to person-centered services that maintain independence, promote safety and well-being, honor choice, and uphold dignity for Oregon’s older adults, people with disabilities, and their families.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the first face of contact in the office by delivering professional, respectful, and culturally responsive customer service.
• 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.
• Apply agency policies, procedures, and regulations to make informed decisions, maintain case records, and ensure accurate and timely processing of client services.
• Support Oregonians by connecting them to resources that provide a safety net, family stability, and pathways out of poverty.

Requirements

• Two (2) years of experience working in a reception area or call center, either interviewing to obtain information or providing customer service in a high-volume environment (e.g., data entry, ensuring application completeness, completing necessary 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.
• A cover letter is required, detailing how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes.
• If selected as a finalist, you must pass a criminal history and background check, including a driving record review if applicable. Adverse findings may lead to disqualification.
• Authorization to work in the United States is required; the agency does not offer visa sponsorship.

Skills

• Experience providing customer service to vulnerable communities using person-centered and trauma-informed approaches.
• Demonstrated curiosity, humility, and willingness to learn from people with diverse identities, cultural histories, lived experiences, and worldviews.
• Respect, empathy, and professionalism in all interactions, regardless of differences, stress, or conflict.
• Ability to answer calls immediately, triage needs efficiently, and manage multiple tasks without loss of accuracy or service quality.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly in data entry and document review.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a changing environment with regular policy, program, and technical adjustments.

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced, high-volume office environment with cubicles; work may be frequently interrupted, and noise levels can be high.
• Standard schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, with occasional compensated overtime, including evenings and weekends.
• Frequent communication with Oregon residents over the phone and in-person, including individuals experiencing trauma, emotional distress, or financial hardship.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a terminal or telephone.
• Consistent attendance and adaptability are essential.

Benefits

• Employee Resource Groups that promote shared learning and community.
• 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.

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.