Public Benefits Specialists- Entry | Bilingual Required English/Spanish

About the role

Opportunity awaits! Step into a role where your efforts directly empower Oregonians to rise above poverty, become a key player in the Self-Sufficiency Program and facilitate access to vital services that foster equity and well-being. As a Public Benefits Specialist - Entry, you will work in our Southeast Portland office on Malden Street assisting Oregonians in-person.

Responsibilities

• Be the first face of contact in most field offices for Oregonians and provide a welcoming environment for individuals and families to interact with the department.
• Support the infrastructure of the office by supporting the day-to-day operation.
• Provide in‑person, phone, and email assistance to Oregonians, helping resolve questions and guiding them through the Oregon Eligibility application process for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs.
• Assist Oregonians through a trauma informed lens.
• Duties may include financial desk responsibilities.
• Provide support for the business functions within the office.
• Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the Self-Sufficiency Program (SSP).

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in Spanish and English. And two years of experience working in a reception area or call center either interviewing to obtain information or providing customer service. This experience must have involved a high volume of work (e.g., data entry, assuring information on applications is complete and accurate, completing necessary documents, etc.); OR an associate degree in a Behavioral Science, Social Science or a closely related field AND six months of experience working in a busy reception area or call center either interviewing to obtain information or providing customer service; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience relative to the class concept.

Skills

• Extensive experience providing front-line customer service in a high-volume reception or front desk environment.
• Proven ability to adapt communication styles to effectively convey complex rules, regulations, and procedures into plain language to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated expertise in supporting customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.
• Experienced in accurately entering and verifying detailed data.
• Skilled in handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information.
• Proficient in navigating various digital platforms, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, and online search tools.

Benefits

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
• Amazing benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.