Support Staff (Public Benefit Specialist, Entry)

State of Oregon; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ODHS Employee Resource Group offerings

Cost of Living Adjustments

Annual salary increases

Comprehensive benefits package

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking an Entry Public Benefit Specialist to provide front desk support and customer assistance in a busy office setting.

Key duties include reviewing applications, managing communications, scheduling, and ensuring accurate data entry across agency systems. This role emphasizes equity, inclusivity, and responsive service to diverse clients in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in a reception area or call center with high-volume work, interviewing or customer service.
• Associate degree in Behavioral/Social Science and 6 months in a busy reception or call center.
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide front desk assistance and guide clients to services.
• Distribute mail, handle transfers, and manage emails.
• Schedule appointments and issue EBT cards and checks.
• Review applications and documents for completeness and accuracy.
• Document interactions in ONE, TRACS, and OACCESS systems.
• Create a welcoming environment for the public.
• Maintain an organized, clean lobby and efficient service flow.
• Use computer systems to manage agency data.

Skills

Customer service

High-volume work

Reception/front desk

Education

Associate degree in Behavioral/Social Science

Job description

Position Title

Support Staff (Public Benefit Specialist, Entry)

Initial Posting Date

08/19/2026

Application Deadline

08/27/2026

Agency

Department of Human Services

Salary Range

$3,798 - $4,954

Position Type

Employee

Position Title

Support Staff (Public Benefit 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.

Opportunity awaits! Join our team as a 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

• Provide front desk assistance, answering phone calls, and guiding clients to the right services.
• Distribute mail, handle case transfers, and manage emails.
• Schedule appointments and issue financial negotiables like Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards and checks.
• Review all applications, paperwork, and documentation submitted in person or electronically for completeness and accuracy.
• Document all interactions and records through the ONE, TRACS, and OACCESS system.
• Create a welcoming environment for the public through various forms of communication.
• Maintain an organized and clean work area, ensuring efficient lobby flow and customer service.
• Use various computer systems and databases to manage information for the agency and clients.

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

• Experience accurately handling large volumes of work in fast-paced environments with tight deadlines.
• Experience explaining complex information in a clear and understandable way.
• Experience using computer systems to manage and process information.
• Experience efficiently prioritizing tasks, adjusting to frequent changes in workflow, and shifting between multiple duties as needed.

Working Conditions

• Duties for this role will be performed in the local office.
• The work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8:15 am to 5:15 pm PT, with possible fluctuations based on service needs.
• Occasional local travel is needed to support fleet maintenance, and other business actives as needed.
• 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 encounter situations requiring quick decision‑making to ensure your safety or the safety of others.

Attention all candidates!

• Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history.
• Your application materials are used to determine your starting salary range. Please ensure that all education and experience you would like considered are included in your application materials. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. You can attach multiple files in this area at once.
• 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. If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is listed as a minimum qualification for the position, please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process.
• 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.

Contact Information

Please contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and application or Job-specific questions.

Please include the job requisition number: REQ-204998.