CUSTOMER SUPPORT SPECIALIST I (DHS)

RI Council 94; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 49,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Rhode Island's Department of Human Services is hiring a Customer Support Specialist I to operate the call center console and greet DHS customers at first contact. You will provide information on benefits programs and services and forward inquiries to the appropriate contacts.

Working hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–4:00 pm, with a focus on accurate clerical support and cheerful customer service in a central phone environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in customer service handling public inquiries.
• Familiarity with telephone console or switchboard operation.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions clearly and accurately.
• Ability to type with reasonable speed and accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Operate the central DHS telephone console and act as receptionist.
• Greet customers, determine needs, and refer to appropriate contacts.
• Provide information about Rhode Island benefits programs and services.

Skills

Customer service

Telephone switchboard

Clear communication

Typing

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

CUSTOMER SUPPORT SPECIALIST I (DHS)# State of Rhode Island External Career Site## CUSTOMER SUPPORT SPECIALIST I (DHS)Apply: 125 Holden St: Statewide: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: November 16, 2026 (9 days left to apply): JR104171# **Department**Department of Human Services# **Division**Clerical/Administrative Support/Data Entry# **Salary**$48,771.00 - $53,059.00# **Job Profile**JC-02434501-19 - Customer Support Specialist I (DHS) (C94 L2882 OHHS DHS)# **Scheduled Work Days & Work Hours**Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm35 Hours - StandardThis position is assigned to the Call Center# **Job Requisition Number**JR104171 CUSTOMER SUPPORT SPECIALIST I (DHS) (Open)# **Pay Grade**C00315 A# **Classification**Customer Support Specialist I (DHS# **Class Definition****GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:** To be responsible for the operation of a Department of Human Services (DHS) central telephone console or similar device and, as agency receptionist, to serve as the initial point of contact for customers of DHS; to perform routine clerical tasks; to provide information to DHS customers about the availability of benefits programs and services at the initial point of entry; to do related work as required.**SUPERVISION RECEIVED:** Works under the general supervision of a supervisor with latitude for the exercise of independent judgement; instructions provided in detail initially; work is reviewed in process and upon completion for conformance to established policies, procedures and regulations and to ensure prompt, cheerful and accurate delivery of service.**SUPERVISION EXERCISED:** To instruct temporary receptionist/telephone operators as needed.**ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:*** To be responsible for the operation of a Department of Human Services (DHS) central telephone console or similar device and, as agency receptionist, to serve as the initial point of contact for customers of DHS; to perform routine clerical tasks; to provide information to DHS customers about the availability of benefits programs and services at the initial point of entry.* To operate a central DHS telephone control console or similar device.* To answer the telephone and to forward and transfer calls as required.* To serve as receptionist for DHS by greeting customers, determining their needs and referring them to the appropriate agency contact person.* To provide information regarding benefits programs and services for Rhode Islanders.* To maintain leaflet racks and disseminate printed literature and correspondence.* To record work activities and keep other records as required.* To perform clerical tasks when not occupied as receptionist/telephone console operator.* To do related work as required.**REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT:****KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES:** A working knowledge of government services and programs; a working knowledge of telephone switchboard or control console operation; the ability to follow written and oral instructions; the ability to communicate clearly and positively with coworkers and the public; the ability to type utilizing word processing equipment with reasonable speed and accuracy; the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, staff and the public; and related capacities and abilities.**EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:****Education:** Such as may have been gained through: graduation from a senior high school, including or supplemented by clerical/technical courses; and**Experience:** Such as may have been gained through: employment in a customer service position responsible for providing information to the public and operation of a telephone console, switchboard, or similar device.**Or,** a combination of education and experience that is substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.# **Supplemental Information**This Position is Assigned to the Call Center. The individual hired to fill this position is being hired into an E-Verify site which contains Federal tax Information (FTI), as defined in IRS Publication 1075. Although the individual may not have direct access to FTI, the individual is required to have their employment eligibility validated through E-Verify. https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER\\_RighttoWorkPoster.pdf https://e-verify.uscis.gov/web/media/resourcesContents/E-Verify\\_Participation\\_Poster\\_ES.pdf# **Benefits**For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/.Also, be advised that a new provision in RI General Law 35-6-1 was enacted requiring direct deposit for all employees. Specific to new hires, the law requires that all employees hired after September 30, 2014 participate in direct deposit. Accordingly, any employee hired after this date will be required to participate in the direct deposit system. At the time the employee is hired, the employee shall identify a financial institution that will serve as a personal depository agency for the employee.