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

About the role

The Oregon Department of Human Services seeks a bilingual Public Benefits Specialist Entry to join the Aging & People with Disabilities (APD) team in Hillsboro, Oregon. The position requires being bilingual in English and Spanish and involves managing administrative operations, providing eligibility support, and connecting individuals and families with community resources.

Responsibilities

• Deliver professional, respectful, and culturally responsive customer service in a high-volume office 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.
• Schedule appointments for individuals and vulnerable populations in high-volume environments 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.

Requirements

• Bilingual in English and Spanish (contingent on 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 with six months of relevant experience.
• Experience scheduling appointments for individuals and vulnerable populations in high-volume environments using person-centered, trauma-informed practices.
• Experienced in applying crisis intervention and conflict resolution techniques to de-escalate emotionally charged situations, ensuring the safety and well-being of clients, families, and staff while maintaining a calm and professional demeanor.
• Experience providing front desk customer service and communicating complex information, policies, and procedures clearly and professionally to diverse audiences, both verbally and in writing.
• Experience learning and adapting to new tasks, workflows, and computer systems with minimal supervision, demonstrating quick uptake and consistent accuracy.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, digital databases, answering phones, and data entry.

Essential Attributes

• Experience scheduling appointments for individuals and vulnerable populations in high-volume environments using person-centered, trauma-informed practices.
• Experienced in applying crisis intervention and conflict resolution techniques to de-escalate emotionally charged situations, ensuring the safety and well-being of clients, families, and staff while maintaining a calm and professional demeanor.
• Experience providing front desk customer service and communicating complex information, policies, and procedures clearly and professionally to diverse audiences, both verbally and in writing.
• Experience learning and adapting to new tasks, workflows, and computer systems with minimal supervision, demonstrating quick uptake and consistent accuracy.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, digital databases, answering phones, and data entry.

Benefits

• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
• Awarded candidate preference for veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.