Public Benefits Specialist Entry (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry) Bilingual English & Dari Required

Initial Posting Date:
09/29/2026
Application Deadline:
10/06/2026
Agency:
Department of Human Services
Salary Range:
$3,798 - $4,954
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Public Benefits Specialist Entry (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry) Bilingual English & Dari Required
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.
Bilingual requirement English/ Dari
To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in English & Dari. The job offer is contingent upon passing speaking and writing tests evaluating your proficiency. Upon passing, you will receive a 5% bilingual differential pay.
Opportunity awaits! Are you looking to make a difference in people's lives? Do you want to learn and grow professionally while experiencing meaningful work? If so, we’d love to hear from you!
Summary of Duties
As a Public Benefits Specialist, Entry you will:
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.
Providing a safety net, family stability and a connection to careers that guide Oregonians out of poverty.
Minimum Qualifications
To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual English/Dari Required
Two (2) 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
We are looking for candidates with:
Experience adapting communication style to explain complex information such as rules or procedures verbally and in writing to diverse audiences.
Experience conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents.
Experience providing customer service to vulnerable communities that are person centered and trauma informed.
Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, digital databases, answering phones and data entry.
Experience evaluating resources and recommending services for diverse populations.
Experience with managing high-volume, fast-paced front desk operations.
Preference will be given to candidates that are bilingual in English/Dari.
Attention all candidates! Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history.
Please upload a resume or complete the work history profile. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
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.
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.
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.
Working Conditions
You will work in a fast-paced high-volume office environment.