Benefits Support Staff (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry)

State of Oregon; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Cost of Living Adjustments

Annual salary increases

Amazing benefits package

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services is hiring for the Benefits Support Staff position. This full-time role focuses on providing exceptional support, managing front desk operations, and ensuring a welcoming environment for clients.

Ideal candidates will possess strong customer service skills, a valid driver's license, and bilingual abilities in English and Spanish. Enjoy competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and diverse benefits as part of Oregon's dedication to equity and

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in a reception area or call center.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Experience handling confidential information professionally.

Responsibilities

• Provide front desk help and answer phone calls.
• Distribute mail and manage emails.
• Schedule appointments and issue financial negotiables.
• Review applications and documentation for accuracy.

Skills

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Customer service

Data entry

Organizational skills

Education

Associate degree in Behavioral Science or Social Science

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! 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.

Agency: Department of Human Services

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

Salary Range: $4,113 - $5,183

Summary of Duties

• 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.

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.

Background Checks and Requirements

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. The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship.

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

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.

Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative. We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon “flies with her own wings.”