Public Benefits Specialist, Entry | Bilingual English​/Spanish or English​/Russian - no

Initial Posting Date

01/08/2026

01/15/2026

Department of Human Services

$3,705 - $4,833

Employee

Public Benefits Specialist, Entry | Bilingual English/Spanish or English/Russian preferred - not required.

Note:

This position will receive a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), which is not reflected in the salary listed in this posting. The increase will be effective February 1, 2026, and will be reflected in paychecks beginning March 1, 2026.

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.

—Support, Guide, and Make an Impact! Join our team and help individuals and families navigate essential services with expertise and care. This role is key in ensuring smooth program operations, sharing vital policies, and providing specialized support to staff and management. If you are detail-oriented and passionate about making a difference, this is the opportunity for you!

We are seeking a dedicated Public Benefit Specialist, Entry | Bilingual English/Spanish or English/Russian (preferred - not required) to join our Self Sufficiency Program (SSP).

• This position may receive a 5% differential pay based on passing the required language test.
• You do not need to be bilingual to apply 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.

Oregon's Self‑Sufficiency Programs (SSP) provide resources, like cash and food assistance, as well as targeted services to help people move out of poverty and toward whole well‑being. Programs include food benefits (SNAP), cash assistance (TANF), services for domestic violence survivors, resources for refugees, and support for youth experiencing homelessness.

As a Public Benefits Specialist, Entry, you will:

• Create a welcoming environment for the public with friendly, respectful, professional, and courteous service.
• Manage incoming mail and multiple email accounts.
• Answer phones with appropriate phone system when covering phones, including answering client’s questions regarding programs and case‑specific information.

• Explain agency notices, case and benefit issuance stats as requested by clients.
• Explore alternative resources appropriate for any clientele in office or on phone. Maintain resource information and provide Oregonian’s directions to access services.
• Manage incoming mail and multiple email accounts.
• Answer phones with appropriate phone system when covering phones, including answering client’s questions regarding programs and case‑specific information.

• Complete initial computer screening to determine prior case history or current eligibility.
• Screen eligibility potential for all ODHS programs and provide applicants with procedural information to apply for said programs.
• Conduct interviews and process paperwork to determine eligibility for expedited Food Stamps.

• 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, ensuring 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,…