Customer Service Guide (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry)

Oregon Department of Human Services; Medford (OR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Annual salary increases

PSLF eligibility

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist, Entry, to provide front desk support and assist clients with essential services. You will review applications, issue EBT cards, and help navigate multiple agency systems in a welcoming environment.

Work hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm PT, with occasional travel within the community. Bilingual Spanish/English is preferred but not required.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Provide front desk help and guide clients to services.
• Distribute mail, handle transfers, and manage emails.
• Schedule appointments and issue EBT cards or checks.
• Review applications and documents for completeness and accuracy.
• Document interactions in ONE and TRACS systems.
• Create a welcoming environment for the public.
• Maintain an organized, clean workspace and efficient lobby flow.
• Use agency computer systems and databases to manage information.

Skills

Customer service

Data entry

Communication

Education

Associate degree in Behavioral/Social Sciences

Job description

Position Title

Customer Service Guide (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.


• 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 submitted 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 listening to others to understand needs, concerns, and perspectives.


• Experience sharing information clearly both verbally and in writing.


• Experience working with others to plan, coordinate, or complete tasks.


• Experience supporting customers or stakeholders by responding to questions and resolving issues.


• Experience analyzing information to find patterns, issues, or solutions.


• Experience recognizing and responding to others’ cues and emotions in daily interactions.


• Experience adjusting work practices or priorities in response to new information or changing conditions.

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.

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

Job requisition number: REQ-208044.