Public Benefits Specialist Entry (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry) Bilingual Required (English/Spanish)

About the role

The Oregon Department of Human Services seeks a bilingual Public Benefits Specialist, Entry to join our team. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of individuals and families.

Responsibilities

• Deliver professional, respectful, and culturally responsive customer service in a high-volume reception area or call center setting.
• 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.
• Connect individuals and families with community resources and support services.

Requirements

• Bilingual in English & Spanish (job offer contingent upon passing speaking and writing tests).
• Two (2) years of experience working in a reception area or call center, or an associate degree in Behavioral Science, Social Science, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Essential Attributes

• Experience conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents.
• Experience adapting communication style to explain complex information such as rules or procedures verbally and in writing to diverse audiences.
• Experience providing customer service to vulnerable communities that are person-centered and trauma-informed.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, digital databases, answering phones, and data entry.
• Experience evaluating resources and recommending services for diverse populations.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include two (2) years of experience working in a reception area or call center, or an associate degree in Behavioral Science, Social Science, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Benefits

• Annual salary increases until reaching the top of the listed salary range.
• Awarded candidate preference for eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers.
• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Schedule

Monday - Friday from 8 am - 5 pm in our Clackamas, OR office. Occasional compensated overtime may be required or voluntary, including evening and weekend work.

Benefits

• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Contact Information

We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions. The recruiter for this position is Tammie Moore. Email: Tammie.L.Moore@odhs.oregon.gov Phone (call or text): 971-201-0580