Benefit Support Staff (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry)

Oregon Inc; Madras (OR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ODHS Employee Resource Groups

Cost of Living Adjustments

Annual salary increases

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (elig)

Job summary

Oregon Inc. is seeking a Benefit Support Staff (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry) to provide front desk assistance, guide clients to appropriate services, and support Tribal and Native communities. You will review documents, schedule appointments, and manage communications while maintaining a welcoming lobby environment.

The role emphasizes customer service, data entry, and proficient use of standard office software. Bilingual English/Spanish is preferred but not required.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in reception or call center with high-volume data entry and accurate documentation.
• Associate degree in Behavioral or Social Science or related field with six months in a busy reception area or call center.
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide front desk help, answer phone calls, guide clients to services.
• Offer consultation, resources, and support for Tribal and Native communities.
• Distribute mail, handle transfers, and manage emails.
• Schedule appointments and issue benefits like EBT cards and checks.
• Review applications and documents for completeness and accuracy.
• Document interactions in the agency systems (ONE and TRACS).

Skills

Customer service

Data entry

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Education

Associate degree in Behavioral/Social Science or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title and General Information

Benefit Support Staff (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry)

Position Type: Employee Position

Salary Range: $3,798 - $4,954

Application Deadline: 11/12/2026

Agency: Department of Human Services

Job Requisition Number: REQ-209286

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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 Requirement

Can you communicate in both English and Spanish? Bilingual skills strengthen our service to diverse communities. This skill is not required, but candidates who have it will receive preference.

Summary of Duties

• Provide front desk help, answering phone calls, and guiding clients to the right services.
• Provide consultation, resources, and support for Tribal and Native communities.
• Distribute mail, handle case transfers, and manage emails.
• Schedule appointments and issue financial negotiables like Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards and checks.
• Review all applications, paperwork, and documentation given in person or electronically for completeness and accuracy.
• Document all interactions and records through the ONE and TRACS system.
• Create a welcoming environment for the public through various forms of communication.
• Maintain an organized and clean work area, ensuring efficient lobby flow and customer service.
• Use various computer systems and databases to manage information for the agency and clients.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.

Essential Attributes

• Experience providing information, referrals, and customer service to high-volume, diverse customer populations in person and by phone.
• Experience communicating rules, procedures, and service information verbally and in writing; adapting communication methods to meet the needs of diverse audiences; and resolving customer concerns and workplace conflicts through direct communication and collaboration.
• Experience building and keeping professional working relationships with colleagues, partners, and customers.
• Experience using computers, web browsers, Microsoft Office applications, email, multiline phone systems, and web-based platforms to schedule appointments and document customer interactions.
• Experience handling confidential and sensitive information following established policies and procedures.
• Experience applying principles of integrity, respect, equity, and inclusion in customer service and workplace interactions, consistent with Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) values and commitments.
• Preference will be given to candidates that are bilingual in Spanish and English.

Working Conditions

Duties for this role will be performed in the local office. Occasional travel is needed within the community to support work in other offices as needed. The work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm PT. You may interact with individuals experiencing trauma or emotional distress, and there may be times when individuals have difficulty managing their emotional responses. You may meet situations requiring quick decision-making to ensure your safety or the safety of others.

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. 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.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage

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.

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). This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.