Public Benefits Specialist - Entry

Initial Posting Date05/18/2026Application Deadline05/25/2026AgencyDepartment of Human ServicesSalary Range$3,798.00 - $4,954.00Position TypeEmployeePosition TitlePublic Benefits Specialist - EntryJob DescriptionThe Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.Opportunity awaits!Step into a role where your efforts directly empower Oregonians to rise above poverty, become a key player in the Oregon Eligibility Partnership and facilitate access to vital services that foster equity and well-being.We are currently seeking to fill multiple openings!As a Public Benefits Specialist - Entry, you will work in our East Branch - Portland office on NE Glisan Street assisting Oregonians in-person.Summary Of DutiesAs a Public Benefits Specialist - Entry, you will:Serve as the primary point of contact in most field offices, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for Oregonians and their families.Support daily office operations by contributing to essential business functions, ensuring an efficient workflow and maintaining strong internal processes.Assist Oregonians in person, by phone, and via email with questions or concerns related to the Oregon Eligibility system for ODHS, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC).Provide services using a trauma‑informed approach to ensure respectful and compassionate interactions.Perform financial responsibilities, including tracking, issuing, and reconciling all required financial actions.Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP).Minimum QualificationsTwo 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.); ORAn 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; ORAn equivalent combination of education, training, and experience relative to the class concept.Essential AttributesWe are looking for candidates with:Experience providing front-line customer service in a high-volume reception or front desk environment.Experience interviewing, obtaining, and evaluating information for customers to access services.Experience adapting communication styles to effectively convey complex rules, regulations and procedures.Experience maintaining organization, while swiftly adapting to shifting priorities and new responsibilities.Experience providing compassionate, patient support to customers experiencing financial or emotional stress while maintaining professionalismWorking Conditions Work schedule is a traditional work week, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm.This position works in the store front office.Experience constant contact with the public, including contact with and possibly de-escalating customers experiencing emotional and financial stress. Experience high volume of computer work, using various computer programs in a fast-paced team environment.Priorities and procedures may change daily and requires the ability to be flexible in application of procedures. Attention all candidates!Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history.Please make sure your application materials, resume and job history, are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification.The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.Background Checks And RequirementsIf selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information. The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.May require a valid driver’s license or other acceptable method of transportation.BenefitsODHS 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.Employment Preference Veterans’ And Oregon National Guard PreferenceEligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.General Information This is a permanent, full-time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.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 Yvette Medford. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number.Email: Yvette.C.Medford@odhs.oregon.govPhone (call or text): 541-709-0306Come for a job. | Stay for a career. | Make a difference... for a lifetime!