Benefits Support Staff (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry) - Bilingual English/Spanish Preferred

Initial Posting Date:

06/17/2026

Application Deadline:

06/24/2026

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$3,798 - $4,954

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Benefits Support Staff (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry) - Bilingual English/Spanish Preferred

Job Description:

The 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.

Bilingual Preferred – English & Spanish

You do not need to be bilingual to apply or be considered for this position. If you are bilingual, we encourage you to apply! We serve diverse communities and recognize the importance of serving people in their preferred language. If you’re interested in using your bilingual language skills, you may qualify for a 5% bilingual differential pay increase after successfully passing the language proficiency test.

Opportunity awaits! Every day is a chance to become a beacon of support for those seeking essential services. Step into a role that not only informs but also transforms lives through dedicated guidance. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) team is seeking a talented individual who provides quality customer service through a trauma informed lens. If you are looking for a meaningful career that serves Oregon’s most vulnerable community members, apply today to join our team!

Summary of Duties

As a Benefits Support Staff you will:

• Be the first face of contact in the office by delivering professional, respectful, and culturally responsive customer service while fostering an inclusive, equitable, and discrimination-free environment for clients, coworkers, and community partners.

• 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.

• Providing a safety net, family stability and a connection to careers that guide Oregonians out of poverty.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two (2) 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.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience in customer service, focused on building positive relationships and supporting all.

• Experience creating a welcoming and inclusive environment that ensures equitable services.

• Experience with trauma-informed and trauma-focused services, using a person-centered approach.

• Experience typing quickly and accurately for administrative tasks.

• Experience navigating multiple computer screens and prioritizing tasks effectively.

Preference will be given to candidates that are bilingual in Spanish and English.

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 upload a resume or complete the work history profile. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.

• If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is listed as a minimum qualification for the position, please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process.

• 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.

Working Conditions

• You will work in a fast paced high-volume office environment.

• Our office is constructed of cubicles, so work is often interrupted, and noise level is sometimes high.

• Your work schedule will be Monday - Friday from 8 am - 5 pm PT.

• Occasionally, compensated overtime may be required or voluntary, including evening and weekend work.

• You will communicate with Oregon residents frequently over the phone and in-person.

• May require sitting at a terminal or telephone for prolonged periods of the workday.

• You will interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions.

• You may encounter stressful situations that require quick decision-making to ensure safety of yourself and others.  

• Consistent attendance is essential.

• Flexibility/adaptability is essential due to a changing environment with regular policy, program, and technical adjustments

• Travel may be required to meet business needs or to attend employee training classes.

• Must possess a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record to use state vehicles. Reasonable accommodations per the ADA or creative solutions in certain cases may be used to meet this need. 

Background Checks and Requirements

• If 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.

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.

Employment Preference

Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard preference:

• Eligible 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 Tammie Moore. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-201941

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone (call or text): 971-201-0580