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 the 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 for individuals and vulnerable populations using person-centered, trauma-informed practices.
• 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.
• Use crisis intervention and conflict resolution techniques to de-escalate emotionally charged situations, ensuring safety and professionalism.
• Communicate complex information, policies, and procedures clearly and professionally to diverse audiences, both verbally and in writing.

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.

Skills

• Experience scheduling appointments for individuals and vulnerable populations in high-volume environments using person-centered, trauma-informed practices.
• Proficiency in crisis intervention and conflict resolution to de-escalate emotionally charged situations.
• Strong front-desk customer service skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences.
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new tasks, workflows, and computer systems with minimal supervision.
• Experience 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.
• Standard schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, with occasional compensated overtime, including evenings and weekends.
• Frequent communication with Oregon residents via 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 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 results may lead to disqualification.
• 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 undergo a driving record review if driving is relevant to the role, though it is not an essential function for this position.
• ODHS does not offer visa sponsorship.

Benefits

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities for 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.

This is a permanent, full-time position represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). This recruitment may also fill future vacancies in the same classification.