Operations Support (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry)

State of Oregon; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ODHS benefits package

Cost of Living Adjustments

Annual salary increases

Job summary

The State of Oregon is seeking an Operations Support (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry) to provide essential front desk support and service to clients in the Department of Human Services. You will help direct clients, process mail and emails, and manage documents in agency systems.

The role emphasizes strong communication, accuracy, and the ability to create a welcoming environment for clients while following equity and inclusion principles.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• 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 Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards.
• Review applications and documents for completeness and accuracy.
• Document interactions and records in ONE and TRACS systems.
• Create a welcoming environment for the public through communication.
• Maintain an organized workspace and efficient lobby flow.
• Use computer systems and databases to manage agency information.

Skills

Reception experience

Customer service

Data entry

Clear communication

Education

Associate degree in Behavioral/Social Science

Tools

ONE system

TRACS system

Job description

Position Title

Operations Support (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry)

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

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

• 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.

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.