Public Benefits Specialist - Entry | Bilingual Required English/Spanish

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 | Bilingual Required English/Spanish
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 Required – English & Spanish
To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in English & Spanish. The job offer will be contingent upon passing a speaking test evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements for this position. Upon passing the tests, you will receive 5% bilingual differential pay.
Opportunity awaits!
Step into a role where your efforts directly empower Oregonians to rise above poverty—become a key player in the Self-Sufficiency Program and facilitate access to vital services that foster equity and well-being.
As a Public Benefits Specialist - Entry, you will work in our East Portland office on NE Glisan Street assisting Oregonians in person.
Summary of Duties
As a Public Benefits Specialist - Entry, you will:
Be the first face of contact in most field offices for Oregonians and provide a welcoming environment for families to interact with the department.
Support the infrastructure of the office by supporting the day-to-day operation.
Assist Oregonians by providing support with the online Oregon Eligibility system, for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs in person, by phone or email to resolve any questions or concerns.
Assist Oregonians through a trauma informed lens.
May have duties that include financial desk responsibilities.
Provide support for the business functions within the office.
Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the Self-Sufficiency Program (SSP).
Minimum Qualifications
To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in Spanish and English. And
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
We are looking for candidates with:
Extensive experience providing front-line customer service in a high-volume, fast-paced reception or front desk environment.
Proven demonstrated ability to adapt communication styles to effectively convey complex rules, regulations, and procedures to diverse audiences, while demonstrating strong active listening skills.
Demonstrated expertise in supporting customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.
Experienced in accurately entering and verifying detailed data with a strong focus on precision and quality control.
Skilled in handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information with a high degree of integrity and discretion.
Proficient in navigating various digital platforms, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, and online search tools.
Working Conditions
Work schedule is a tradition work week, Monday-Friday.
Experience constant contact with the public, including contact with and possibly de-escalating customers experiencing emotional and financial stress.
Experience high volume of computer work, using various computer programs in a fast-paced team environment.
Priorities and procedures may change daily and require the ability to be flexible in application of procedures.
This position is in the store front office.
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 make sure your application materials, resume and job history are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range.