Public Benefits Specialist-Entry

State of Oregon; New York (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ODHS Employee Resource Group

Cost of Living Adjustments

Annual salary increases

Public Service Loan ForgivenessProgram

Job summary

Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist – Entry to assist Oregonians in Hermiston and surrounding communities. This role focuses on frontline service, helps navigate the Oregon Eligibility system, and supports multiple programs with empathy and confidentiality.

The position emphasizes trauma-informed interactions, strong communication, and the ability to manage inquiries in person or remotely.

Qualifications

• Two years of reception or call center experience with high volume data entry or document completion.
• An associate degree in Behavioral Science or related field with six months of relevant experience.
• Equivalent mix of education and work experience may satisfy minimum qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Be the first face of contact in field offices for Oregonians and create a welcoming environment.
• Support day-to-day office operations and infrastructure.
• Assist Oregonians in person, by phone, or email with Oregon Eligibility system questions for ODHS, OHA and DELC programs.
• Provide trauma-informed service and maintain confidentiality of information.
• Handle financial duties including tracking, issuing, and accounting for actions and requirements.
• Support business functions within the office and learn about the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP).

Skills

Customer service

Active listening

Empathy

Typing

Microsoft Word

Excel

Digital platforms navigation

Education

Associate degree in Behavioral or Social Science

Equivalent combination of education, training and experience

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Email systems

Online research tools

Job description

Initial Posting Date: 10/16/2026 Application Deadline: 10/29/2026 Agency: Department of Human Services Salary Range: $3,798 - $4,954 Position Type: Employee Position Title: 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.

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

• 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

• 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

Come for a job. | Stay for a career. | Make a difference... for a lifetime! 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.