Public Benefits Specialist - Entry

Initial Posting Date:
10/15/2026
Application Deadline:
10/29/2026
Agency:
Department of Human Services
Salary Range:
$3,798 - $4,954
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Public Benefits 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!
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 Baker City office assisting Oregonians in-person. Baker City is in rural Eastern Oregon.
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.
Provide support for the business functions within the office.
May be assigned financial duties that include tracking, issuing, and accounting for all financial actions and requirements needed.
Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP).
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 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; OR
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience relative to the class concept.
Essential Attributes
We are looking for candidates with:
Experience providing front-line customer service in a high-volume, fast-paced environment, supporting a wide range of clients.
Experience in handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information.
Experience adapting communication styles to effectively convey complex rules, regulations, and procedures to varied cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Experience navigating various digital platforms, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, and online search tools.
Experience accurately entering and verifying detailed data.
Experience in supporting customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.
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 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.
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.
Working Conditions
This position is based in the Baker City office but may provide coverage occasionally within the district.
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 dail