Public Benefits Specialist, Entry (Operations Support Specialist) Salem

Oregon Inc; Oak Harbor (OH); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Cost of Living Adjustments

Annual salary increases

Great benefits package

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (elig)

Job summary

Oregon Department of Human Services seeks an Entry Public Benefits Specialist to deliver front-line customer service in a high-volume office environment in Salem. You will assist clients with benefits applications, explain eligibility procedures, and process related administrative tasks using One System.

The role requires handling sensitive data with integrity, supporting diverse populations, and adapting communication to explain complex rules and processes.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience working in a reception area or call center with high volume, including data entry and handling applications.
• Associate degree in Behavioral Science, Social Science, or closely related field plus six months of relevant frontline experience.
• Equivalency of education, training, and experience may satisfy the requirements.

Responsibilities

• Create a welcoming environment with friendly, respectful, professional service.
• Answer phones and clarify program questions and case-specific details.
• Input tasks into database and manage working batches.
• Process administrative tasks related to eligibility in One System.
• Explain procedures for applying for benefits and requesting hearings.
• Make independent judgments based on laws, rules, and policies within TANF, SNAP, ERDC, or TA-DVS and medical.
• Screen eligibility for ODHS programs and guide applicants to apply.

Skills

Customer service

Data entry

Education

Associate degree in Behavioral or Social Sciences

Experience in a busy reception/call center

Job description

Initial Posting Date: 11/13/2026 Application Deadline: 11/22/2026 Agency: Department of Human Services Salary Range: $3,798 - $4,954 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Public Benefits Specialist, Entry (Operations Support Specialist) Salem

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! In a state where support should be a right, not a privilege, the Oregon Eligibility Program is breaking down barriers and redefining how we connect individuals to the vital services they deserve.

Summary of Duties

• Create a welcoming environment for the public with friendly, respectful, professional, and courteous service.
• Answer phones with appropriate phone system when covering phones, including answering client’s questions regarding programs and case specific information.
• Input of incoming tasks into database and create working batches.
• Process administrative tasks in One System related to eligibility.
• Explain procedures, including such things as applying for benefits, providing documentation, and requesting grievance or hearings.
• Perform specialized activities requiring independent judgment to make decisions or select a course of action based on laws, rules, policies, and procedures within TANF, SNAP, ERDC, or TA-DVS and medical.
• Screen eligibility potential for all ODHS programs and provide applicants with procedural information to apply for said programs.

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.).
• 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.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience relative to the class concept.

Essential Attributes

• Experience delivering front-line customer service in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, supporting clients from a diverse background.
• Experience in accurately entering and verifying sensitive, detailed data while maintaining confidentiality and demonstrating high integrity.
• Demonstrate expertise in supporting customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.
• Ability to adapt to communication styles to convey complex rules, regulations and procedures.

Working Conditions

Your work schedule will be 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday Pacific Standard Time (PST). Occasional overtime may be available. Employees in these positions may be required to work a flexible work schedule as a condition of employment. This is understood to mean that the hours of work may vary and could include evenings and weekends under certain circumstances. Travel may be required to meet business needs or to attend employee training classes. Must possess a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record to use state vehicles. Reasonable accommodations per the ADA or creative solutions in certain cases may be used to meet this need. This position is assigned to the Store Front Office incumbent will be working in an office environment in-person. The office is constructed of cubicles, so work is often interrupted, and noise level is sometimes high. You will interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions. You may encounter stressful situations that require quick decision-making to ensure safety of yourself and others. Fast paced environment with constantly evolving policies and procedures. Repetitive motions, prolonged sitting, and daily computer and technology use. High volume of computer work/keyboarding in a fast-paced team environment.

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’ preference: Veterans’ preference information.

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

Email: [e-mail]
Phone (call or text): 503-509-6443

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.”