Operations Support (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry)

Oregon Department of Human Services; Grants Pass, Hawthorne (OR, CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Cost of Living Adjustments

Annual salary increases

Benefits package

Employment Preference for Veterans

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services is looking for an Operations Support (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry) to join their team. The successful candidate will provide essential office support, manage front desk duties, and maintain a welcoming environment for clients seeking public benefits.

This position is full-time, Monday to Friday, and emphasizes strong customer service skills and attention to detail, with roles including document management and client communication.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in a reception area or call center.
• Must have experience with high volume work such as data entry.
• Ability to manage tasks and time effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide front desk help and answer phone calls.
• Distribute mail and schedule appointments.
• Review applications for completeness and accuracy.

Skills

Customer service

Attention to detail

Clear communication

Organizational skills

Technology usage

Education

Associate degree in Behavioral or Social Science

Job description

Initial Posting Date: 09/23/2026 Application Deadline: 10/08/2026 Agency: Department of Human Services Salary Range: $3,798 - $4,954 Position Type: Employee

Position Title: Operations Support (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. Opportunity awaits! Join our team as a Operations Support (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

As an Operations Support, you will:

• Provide front desk help, answer phone calls, and guide 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.
• 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 completing work with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Experience providing customer service focused on positive relationships and inclusive support.
• Experience communicating clearly and effectively, both in writing and verbally, with diverse audiences.
• Experience organizing tasks and managing time effectively to meet deadlines.
• Experience using technology and tools to accurately input, retrieve, and manage information.

Working Conditions

Duties for this role will be performed in the local office. 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.

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

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.

Other Details

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.”