Public Benefits Specialist-Entry

Initial Posting Date:
10/16/2026
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.
Bilingual Preferred | English & Spanish
You do not need to be bilingual to apply for or be considered for this position. If you are bilingual, we encourage you to apply! We serve diverse communities and recognize the importance of serving people in their preferred language. If interested in using your bilingual language skills, 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 Benefits Support Staff (Public Benefits Specialist – Entry), you will work in our Hermiston office assisting Oregonians in-person. Hermiston is in rural Northeastern 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 in person, by phone or email to resolve any questions or concerns by providing support with the online Oregon Eligibility system, for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs.
Assist Oregonians through a trauma informed lens.
May provide financial duties that include tracking, issuing, and accounting for all financial actions and requirements needed.
Provide support for the business functions within the office.
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 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:
Demonstrated experience providing quality customer service at a front desk or reception setting.
Skilled in active listening and communicating with empathy and clarity.
Proficient in typing and effectively navigating digital platforms, including Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, and online research tools.
Skilled in managing, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
Demonstrated ability to adapt communication styles to clearly convey complex rules, regulations, and procedures to diverse audiences.
Bilingual proficiency will be considered as a tiebreaker among equally qualified finalists.
Working Conditions
This position is in the Aging & People with Disabilities storefront office, providing support to older adults and people living with disabilities.
You may work with individuals experiencing trauma or crisis, some who may have difficulty managing their emotions.
Quick decision-making may be necessary to ensure the safety of yourself and others.
May require sitting at a terminal or telephone for prolonged periods of the workday.
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 Ar