Public Benefits Specialist-Entry

State of Oregon; Hermiston (OR); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ODHS Employee Resource Group

Cost of Living Adjustments

Annual salary increases

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (elig)

Amazing benefits package

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services in Hermiston is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist – Entry to serve Oregonians in person, by phone or email, and to assist with the Oregon Eligibility Partnership programs in a compassionate, trauma-informed manner.

This permanent, full-time role emphasizes front-desk customer service, data entry accuracy, and the ability to explain complex rules to diverse audiences; bilingual skills are a plus.

Qualifications

• Two years in a reception or call center with high-volume customer service.
• Associate degree in Behavioral Science, Social Science or related field and six months in a busy reception or call center.
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience is acceptable.
• Bilingual skills considered as a tiebreaker among equally qualified finalists.

Responsibilities

• Be the first face of contact in most field offices for Oregonians and provide a welcoming environment.
• Support office infrastructure and day-to-day operations.
• Assist Oregonians in person, by phone or email to resolve questions using the Oregon Eligibility system.
• Provide trauma-informed service and safeguard confidential information.

Skills

Customer service

Front desk

Active listening

Empathy

Typing

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Email systems

Data entry

Discretion

Education

Associate degree in Behavioral/Social Science or related field

Tools

Oregon Eligibility system

CRM systems

Job description

**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.**Bilingual Preferred | English & Spanish**You do not need to be bilingual to apply for or be considered for this position. If you are bilingual, we encourage you to apply! We serve diverse communities and recognize the importance of serving people in their preferred language. If interested in using your bilingual language skills, upon passing the test, you will receive 5% bilingual differential pay.**Opportunity awaits!**Step into a role where your efforts directly empower Oregonians to rise above poverty, become a key player in the Oregon Eligibility Partnership and facilitate access to vital services that foster equity and well-being.As a **Benefits Support Staff (Public Benefits Specialist – Entry)****,** you will work in our **Hermiston**office assisting Oregonians **in-person.** **Hermiston is in rural Northeastern Oregon.****Summary of Duties**As a **Public Benefits Specialist - Entry,** you will:* Be the first face of contact in most field offices for Oregonians and provide a welcoming environment for families to interact with the department.* Support the infrastructure of the office by supporting the day-to-day operation.* Assist Oregonians in person, by phone or email to resolve any questions or concerns by providing support with the online Oregon Eligibility system, for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs.* Assist Oregonians through a trauma informed lens.* May provide financial duties that include tracking, issuing, and accounting for all financial actions and requirements needed.* Provide support for the business functions within the office. Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP). **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 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**We are looking for candidates with:* Demonstrated experience providing quality customer service at a front desk or reception setting.* Skilled in active listening and communicating with empathy and clarity.* Proficient in typing and effectively navigating digital platforms, including Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, and online research tools.* Skilled in managing, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information with discretion.* Demonstrated ability to adapt communication styles to clearly convey complex rules, regulations, and procedures to diverse audiences.Bilingual proficiency will be considered as a tiebreaker among equally qualified finalists.**Working Conditions*** This position is in the Aging & People with Disabilities storefront office, providing support to older adults and people living with disabilities.* You may work with individuals experiencing trauma or crisis, some who may have difficulty managing their emotions.* Quick decision-making may be necessary to ensure the safety of yourself and others.* May require sitting at a terminal or telephone for prolonged periods of the workday.**Attention all candidates!****Clearly describe how you meet the** **minimum qualifications and essential attributes** in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. **Please include detailed work and education history.*** **Please make sure your application materials, resume and job history are clearly outlined as** **this information will be used to determine your starting salary range.** *Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.** 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.*** The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.**Background Checks and Requirements*** If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background checks 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.* May require a valid driver’s license or other acceptable method of transportation.**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).* The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.* This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.**Contact Information**We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions.* The recruiter for this position is **Yvette Medford**. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number.* Email: [e-mail]* Phone (call or text): 541-709-0306