Support Staff (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry)

Initial Posting Date:
10/21/2026
Application Deadline:
10/28/2026
Agency:
Department of Human Services
Salary Range:
$3,798 - $4,954
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Support Staff (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! Would you like a career that is both rewarding and provides an opportunity for career growth? If you have experience with providing customer service in a fast-paced environment to obtain information for needed services, then this may be the position for you!
Summary of Duties
As a Support Staff, 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.
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 with managing high-volume, fast-paced front desk operations.
Experience conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents.
Experience providing customer service to diverse and vulnerable communities that are person centered and trauma informed.
Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, digital databases, answering phones and data entry.
Experience adapting communication style to explain complex information such as rules or procedures verbally and in writing to diverse audiences.
Attention all candidates! A cover letter is required.
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.
Our office is constructed of cubicles, so work is often interrupted, and noise level is sometimes high.
Your work schedule will be Monday - Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm in our Hillsboro, OR office.
Occasionally, compensated overtime may be required or voluntary, including evenings.
You will communicate with Oregon residents frequently over the phone and in-person.
May require sitting at a terminal or telephone for prolonged periods of the workday.
You will interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may be experiencing emotional and/or financial distress.
Consistent attendance is essential.
Flexibilit