Benefits Support Staff (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry)

Oregon Department of Human Services; Redmond (OR); On-site; USD 46,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ODHS Employee Resource Group

Cost of Living Adjustments

Annual salary increases

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services is hiring a Benefits Support Staff to assist at the front desk, manage inquiries, and guide clients to appropriate services. Strong organizational skills and the ability to handle confidential information are valued, with preference for bilingual English/Spanish speakers.

Responsibilities include processing applications, maintaining records via the ONE system, and supporting daily operations in a busy public benefits environment.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in a reception area or call center with high-volume work.
• 2) Associate degree with related experience or equivalent combination.

Responsibilities

• Provide front desk help, answer phone calls, guide clients to services.

Skills

Customer service

Data entry

Multitasking

Communication

Education

Associate degree in Behavioral Science, Social Science or related field

Tools

ONE system

Job description

Position Title Benefits Support Staff (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry)

Initial Posting Date 09/15/2026

Application Deadline 09/30/2026

Agency Department of Human Services

Salary Range $4,113 - $5,183

Position Type Employee

Position Title Benefits Support Staff (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry)

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.

Are you fluent in English and Spanish?

Our diverse communities' benefit from bilingual support. While not a requirement, preference will be given to candidates who have this valuable skill.

Opportunity awaits!

Summary Of Duties

As a Benefits Support Staff, you will:

• Provide front desk help, answering phone calls, and guiding clients to the right services.
• 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 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 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 managing multiple tasks, staying organized, keeping accuracy, and meeting deadlines.
• Experience providing fair, culturally responsive service to people with diverse backgrounds and identities.
• Experience handling confidential information professionally and in line with policies or procedures.
• Experience interacting with others in a respectful, courteous, and dependable manner while following workplace expectations and policies.
• Experience working collaboratively with a team to share responsibilities and support daily operations.
• Experience learning and applying new systems, policies, workflows, and schedule changes.

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 administrative tasks, and work in other offices as needed.
• The work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm PT, with possible fluctuations based on service needs.
• 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.

Please include the job requisition number: REQ-205657.

• Recruiter: Amanda Alvarado.
• Email: [e-mail]
• Phone (call or text): 541-709-8695.