Public Benefits Specialist, Entry

State of Oregon; Redmond, Northern (OR, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ODHS Employee Resource Groups

Cost of Living Adjustments

Annual salary increases

Job summary

The State of Oregon, Department of Human Services, invites applications for an entry-level Public Benefits Specialist. The role supports front desk operations, handles data entry in ONE and MMIS, and helps clients with applications and documentation.

Responsibilities include updating records, processing EBT/medical cards, validating information, and assisting with provider records and payments. Local Redmond office, standard 8–5 schedule, bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Qualifications

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Two years in reception or call center with high-volume data entry and accurate applications processing.
• Associate degree in Behavioral Science or Social Science or closely related field and six months of experience in busy reception.
• Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the first point of contact at the front desk by answering phones, greeting visitors, and directing clients to staff.
• Perform data entry and administrative tasks in systems such as ONE and MMIS, including uploading documents and issuing EBT/medical cards.
• Aid clients and providers with applications, verifying documentation, and answering questions about programs and services.
• Maintain and update provider records, process background checks, and support the Provider Time Capture (PTC) system.
• Monitor and keep office supplies, equipment, and state vehicles; coordinate repairs and track device usage.
• Process financial transactions, including receipting payments and resolving checks/benefits issues.
• Support additional administrative functions such as mail processing and reporting.

Skills

Customer service

Data entry

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Associate degree in Behavioral Science or Social Science or closely related field

Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

Tools

ONE System

MMIS

Job description

Public Benefits Specialist, Entry

Initial Posting Date: 09/09/2026 Application Deadline: 09/17/2026 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. Are you fluent in English and Spanish? Our diverse communities benefit from bilingual support. While not a requirement, preference will be given to candidates who have this valuable skill.

Summary of Duties

• Serve as the first point of contact at the front desk by answering phones, greeting visitors, and directing clients to the right staff or community resources.
• Perform data entry and administrative tasks in systems such as ONE and MMIS, including uploading documents, scheduling appointments, and issuing EBT and medical cards.
• Aid clients and providers with applications, verifying documentation, and answering questions about available programs and services.
• Maintain and update provider records, process background checks, and support the Provider Time Capture (PTC) system to ensure correct and prompt payments.
• Monitor and keep office supplies, equipment, and state vehicles; coordinate repairs and track usage of state‑issued devices.
• Process financial transactions, including receipting payments, entering authorizations, and resolving issues related to checks and benefits.
• Support added administrative functions such as mail processing, NVRA and RMSS reporting, and providing backup coverage to other district offices as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.
• 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.),
• 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 delivering thoughtful, empathetic, and solution‑focused support to individuals.
• Experience recognizing, analyzing, and creatively solving various problems.
• Experience applying organizational policies and processes to complete tasks.
• Experience clearly explaining information in speech and in writing to diverse people.
• Experience making independent decisions and offering fair and fair support and guidance to others.
• Preference will be given to candidates that are bilingual in Spanish and English.

Work Conditions: Duties for this role will be performed in the local office, which is in Redmond Oregon on Highland Ave. Occasional travel is needed within the community to support work in other offices as needed. 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.

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.