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

Public Service Loan ForgivenessProgram

Job summary

The State of Oregon is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist, Entry, based in the Redmond office on Highland Ave. You will be the first point of contact, assist clients with applications, and verify documents for programs and services.

Applicants should have strong customer service, data-entry experience, and the ability to work in a busy setting. Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus. Competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience working in a reception area or call center with high-volume data entry and accurate information handling.
• An associate degree in a Behavioral Science, Social Science or related field and six months in a busy reception area or call center.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the first point of contact at the front desk, answer phones, greet visitors, and direct clients to staff or resources.
• Perform data entry and administrative tasks in systems such as ONE and MMIS, including scheduling and issuing documents.
• Aid clients and providers with applications, verify documentation, and answer questions about programs and services.
• Maintain provider records, process background checks, and support time capture for payments.
• Monitor office supplies, equipment, and state vehicles; coordinate repairs and track devices.

Skills

Customer service

Data entry

Reception experience

Communication

Education

Associate degree in Behavioral/Social Science

Tools

ONE

MMIS

Job description

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

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.

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.

This position will be in the Redmond office on Highland Ave.

Opportunity awaits! Join our team as a Benefits Support Staff (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

• 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.), 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 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.

Working 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.

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.

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.

Contact Information

Job Requisition Number: REQ-206282.