Benefit Support Staff (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry)

State of Oregon

Salem (OR)

On-site

USD 42,000 - 55,000

Full time

5 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

ODHS Employee Resource Group

Cost of Living Adjustments

Annual salary increases

Benefits package

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services in Salem, Oregon seeks an entry-level Benefits Support Staff (Public Benefit Specialist) to provide essential front desk support and guide clients to the right services. This role emphasizes clear communication and respectful service in a diverse community.

Candidates should have strong data entry skills, be comfortable with multiple computer systems, and be willing to support Tribal and Native community outreach.

Qualifications

Two years of experience in a reception area or call center with high-volume work.
Associate degree in Behavioral Science or Social Science and six months in a busy reception or customer service role.
Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Responsibilities

Provide front desk help, answer phone calls, and guide clients to 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 EBT cards and checks.
Review applications and documents for completeness and accuracy.
Document interactions in the ONE and TRACS system.
Create a welcoming environment and ensure efficient lobby flow.

Skills

Customer service

Data entry

Communication

Typing

Bilingual (Spanish/English)

Education

Associate degree in Behavioral Science or Social Science

Tools

ONE/TRACS systems

Job description

Position Title

Benefit Support Staff (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry)

Initial Posting Date

10/12/2026

Application Deadline

10/20/2026

Agency

Department of Human Services

Salary Range

$3,798 - $4,954

Position Type

Employee

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.

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.

Opportunity awaits! Join our team as a Benefits Support Staff (Public Benefit Specialist, Entry), where you'll play a pivotal role in providing exceptional office support and creating a welcoming environment for our clients.

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

A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.

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

We are looking for candidates with:

Experience collaborating with team members from diverse backgrounds to achieve common goals.
Customer service experience showing active listening, empathy, and respect for diverse clients.
Experience typing accurately and navigating various computer systems to enhance productivity.
Experience keeping precise and correct records while completing data entry tasks.
Experience prioritizing critical tasks and managing time to meet deadlines.
Experience handling confidential and sensitive information with professionalism, upholding high standards of integrity and honesty.

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

Contact Information

Please contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and application or Job-specific questions.