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 test evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements for this position. Upon passing the test, 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 Oregon Eligibility Partnership and facilitate access to vital services that foster equity and well-being.
As a Public Benefits Specialist - Entry, you will work in our East Branch - Portland office on NE Glisan Street assisting Oregonians in person.
Summary of Duties
As a Public Benefits Specialist - Entry, you will:
Serve as the primary point of contact in most field offices, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for Oregonians and their families.
Support daily office operations by contributing to essential business functions, ensuring an efficient workflow and maintaining strong internal processes.
Assist Oregonians in person, by phone, and via email with questions or concerns related to the Oregon Eligibility system for ODHS, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC).
Provide services using a trauma‑informed approach to ensure respectful and compassionate interactions.
May be assigned financial responsibilities, including tracking, issuing, and reconciling all required financial actions.
Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP).
Minimum Qualifications
Bilingual language skills 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:
Background in providing front-line support to diverse communities and clients.
Demonstrated ability to adjust communication approaches to clearly explain complex rules, regulations, and procedures to varied audiences.
Skilled in handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information.
Proficient in navigating various digital platforms, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, and online search tools.
Experienced in accurately entering and verifying detailed data.
Demonstrated capability to provide sensitive, respectful support to customers navigating financial or emotional circumstances.
Working Conditions
Work schedule is a traditional work week, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm.
This position is in the store front office.
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.
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. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, ex