Support Staff (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry)

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

Benefits offered by this job

ERGs and employee resource groups

COLA and annual salary increases

Comprehensive benefits package

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

The State of Oregon’s Department of Human Services in Hillsboro is seeking a Support Staff member (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry) to provide welcoming, accurate information and assistance to clients. You will handle front-desk tasks, phone and email communications, and maintain sensitive case records with attention to detail.

You will explain program requirements, assist with eligibility and connect clients to community resources, while following agency policies.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in a reception area or call center with high-volume data entry and document processing.
• Associate degree in Behavioral Science, Social Science or closely related field plus six months of front desk or call center experience.
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience relative to the class concept.

Responsibilities

• Be the first face of contact delivering professional, respectful, and culturally responsive customer service.
• Manage administrative operations including phone and email communications, mail processing, and data entry in agency systems.
• Provide eligibility support by explaining benefits, procedures, and community resources with accurate case documentation.
• Apply agency policies and ensure timely processing of client services.

Skills

Customer service experience

High-volume front desk

Data entry accuracy

Education

Associate degree in Behavioral/Social Science or related field

Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Email systems

Digital databases

Data entry

Job description

Salary Range: $3,798 - $4,954. Position Type: Employee. Title: Support Staff (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry). Initial Posting Date: 10/21/2026. Application Deadline: 10/28/2026. Agency: Department of Human Services.

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! Would you like a career that is both rewarding and provides an opportunity for career growth? If you have experience with providing customer service in a fast-paced environment to obtain information for needed services, then this may be the position for you!

Summary of Duties

• Be this first face of contact in the office by delivering professional, respectful, and culturally responsive customer service while fostering an inclusive, equitable, and discrimination-free environment for clients, coworkers, and community partners.
• Manage administrative operations including phone and email communications, mail processing, electronic records management, task tracking, meeting coordination, and data entry in agency systems.
• Provide eligibility support by explaining benefits, notices, program requirements, application procedures, and available community resources, while maintaining accurate case documentation.
• Apply agency policies, procedures, and regulations to make informed decisions, maintain case records, and ensure accurate and timely processing of client services.

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 with managing high-volume, fast-paced front desk operations.
• Experience conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents.
• Experience providing customer service to diverse and vulnerable communities that are person centered and trauma informed.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, digital databases, answering phones and data entry.
• Experience adapting communication style to explain complex information such as rules or procedures verbally and in writing to diverse audiences.
• Attention all candidates!

Working Conditions You will work in a fast paced high-volume office environment. Our office is constructed of cubicles, so work is often interrupted, and noise level is sometimes high. Your work schedule will be Monday - Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm in our Hillsboro, OR office. Occasionally, compensated overtime may be required or voluntary, including evenings. You will communicate with Oregon residents frequently over the phone and in-person. May require sitting at a terminal or telephone for prolonged periods of the workday. You will interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may be experiencing emotional and/or financial distress. Consistent attendance is essential. Flexibility/adaptability is essential due to a changing environment with regular policy, program, and technical adjustments.

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. Driver Record Screening: As part of the pre‑employment background check, applicants may be asked to complete a driving record review. A driving record that does not meet agency standards will not, by itself, disqualify an applicant from employment when driving is not an essential function of the position.

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.”