Benefits Support Specialist (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry)

State of Oregon; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Amazing benefits package

Cost of Living Adjustments

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

State of Oregon is hiring an entry-level Benefits Support Specialist in Salem to support the Oregon Eligibility Partnership program. You will assist individuals with applying for medical, food, cash, and childcare benefits through the ONE eligibility system, handling inquiries in person, by phone, and online.

This role emphasizes equity and trauma-informed service. Salary ranges between $3,798 and $4,954 per month.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in a reception area or call center, involving high-volume customer service.
• An associate degree in Behavioral/Social Science or closely related field with six months of relevant experience.
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Responsibilities

• Greet and assist customers in person or via phone/email.
• Provide specialized assistance to individuals seeking services.
• Explain program rules and help with eligibility determinations in person, by phone, or online portal.
• Collaborate within the team to support daily office operations and intake scheduling.

Skills

Customer Service

Reception/Call Center

Data Entry

Education

Associate degree in Behavioral/Social Science or related field

Job description

Position Title

Benefits Support Specialist (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry)

Initial Posting Date

09/01/2026

Application Deadline

09/13/2026

Agency

Department of Human Services

Salary Range

$3,798 - $4,954

Position Type

Employee

Position Title

Benefits Support Specialist (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry)

Job Description

Revised: Open to both internal and external candidates

Benefits Support Specialist (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry) REQ-205488

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

Salem (4600 25th Ave NE)

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.

OPPORTUNITY AWAITS!

Would you like the opportunity to make a positive impact on Oregonians in need of support and resources? Would you enjoy working with a diverse team that collaborates and learns together in service of children, families, and communities? If so, 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.

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 a 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 You Will

• Helping individuals and families seeking services by providing specialized assistance on behalf of program staff.
• Providing a safety net, family stability and a connection to careers that guide Oregonians out of poverty. The primary focus of OEP – Oregon Eligibility Partnership Program is helping and working with Oregonians and they can now apply and have access to life‑changing programs such as food benefits (SNAP), cash for families (TANF), childcare assistance (ERDC), medical, refugee services, and domestic violence services and long‑term care services in‑person, by phone and via our online applicant portal to answer case status and other inquiries; provide information on how to access community resources. This position may also provide support the day‑to‑day functions through distribution of e‑mail and case transfers.
• The first face of contact in most offices for customers either entering the physical office or virtually through the online application portal or telephone communication. This position will contribute to the welcoming environment as families interact with the department in supporting the day‑to‑day operations of the office.
• Primarily greet and assist Oregonians through a trauma‑informed lens.
• Working within a team that collaboratively rotates tasks to support the business needs of the office, tasks may include scheduling intakes for all programs, financial functions and customer service.
• Actively seeking to provide culturally appropriate services where individuals are treated respectfully, compassionately and effectively in a manner that recognizes, affirms and values the worth of children, individuals, families and communities, protecting and preserving the dignity of each. This includes culture, language; national origin; class; race; age; ethnic background; disability; stages of development; religion; gender; sexual orientation and other differences or diversity factors.

Working Conditions

• This position will work in the office, and your typical work schedule will be Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Pacific Standard Time (PST).
• Incumbent will be working in an office environment in person. The office is constructed of cubicles, so work is often interrupted and noise level is sometimes high.
• Public contact, including contact with customers under stressful conditions. Employees in these positions may be required to work a flexible work schedule as a condition of employment. This is understood to mean that the hours of work may vary and could include evenings and weekends under certain circumstances. Work schedule specifics will be determined by the hiring supervisor.
• Fast paced environment with constantly evolving policies and procedures. Repetitive motions, prolonged sitting, and daily computer and technology use. High volume of computer work/keyboarding in a fast‑paced team environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (MQ's)

• Two years of experience working in a reception area or call center either:
  • interviewing to obtain information OR providing customer service
• The Above 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

• Customer Service: Experience delivering high‑volume customer service with active listening, empathy, and clear communication. Able to provide information and referrals by phone to people from diverse backgrounds.
• Professionalism & Integrity: Demonstrated ability to handle confidential or sensitive information with discretion. Holds self to high standards of honesty and ethical conduct.
• Technical Skills: Comfortable using computers, Microsoft Office, email, web browsers, and multi‑line phone systems. Able to learn new web‑based tools and use multiple systems at the same time to research, document, and locate information.
• Communication & Collaboration: Able to explain rules, processes, or requirements clearly in writing and verbally. Builds positive, inclusive working relationships. Skilled in resolving misunderstandings or conflicts professionally.

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

• Amazing benefits package.
• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.

EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE

• Veterans’ preference information.
• How to submit your Veteran documents for preference. Please do not attach your Veterans’ preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application.

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.