Public Benefit Specialist - Entry

Initial Posting Date

06/08/2026

Application Deadline

06/15/2026

Agency

Department of Human Services

Salary Range

$3,798 - $4,954

Position Type

Employee

Position Title

Public Benefit Specialist - Entry | Bilingual Preferred English/Spanish

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!

Our Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) team is seeking a talented individual who is dedicated to providing 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!

As a Public Benefits Specialist - Entry, you will work in the Klamath Falls office assisting Oregonians in-person.

Summary Of Duties

Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) is a program within ODHS that determines eligibility for people living in Oregon who apply for medical, food, cash and childcare benefits through the ONE eligibility system. OEP plays critical part of the eligibility process that moves beyond integration and equality, to focus on equity of services and providing timely, accurate, and necessary eligibility determinations through a person-centered approach.

As a Public Benefits Specialist - Entry team member, you will:

• Helping individuals and families seeking services by providing specialized assistance on behalf of program staff.
• Provide in‑person assistance to Oregonians, helping guide customers The Oregon Eligibility Program (OEP) through the sharing of rules, policies, procedures, and programs.
• Be the first face of contact in the office 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.
• Explain procedures, including such things as applying for benefits, providing documentation, and requesting grievance or hearings.
• Assisting Oregonians through a trauma informed lens in person, over the phone and via email.
• 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 (6) 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 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 that is person centered and trauma informed.
• Demonstrated experience with technical skills that include basic computer and search engine knowledge, email communication and learning new web-based platforms.
• Experience building and maintaining positive relationships with co-workers and clients through empathy and professionalism.
• Experience evaluating resources and services while serving a diverse population and/or during tense or escalated situations while maintaining excellent customer service.

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

Working Conditions

• This is an in-person position, duties will be conducted in an office setting.
• Environment: Office is constructed of cubicles, so work is often interrupted, and noise level is sometimes high.
• Employee’s 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 be experiencing emotional and/or financial distress.
• Consistent attendance is essential.
• Flexibility/adaptability is essential due to a changing environment with regular policy, program, and technical adjustments.

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 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.
• 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.

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.
• May require a valid driver’s license or other acceptable method of transportation.

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 Sugei Hernandez or Yvette Medford. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number.
• Email: [email protected] or ***email_hidden***