Public Benefits Specialist, Entry

Overview

Initial Posting Date: 02/02/2026
Final date to receive applications: 02/16/2026
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 John Day office assisting Oregonians in-person
. John Day is in rural Eastern Oregon.

• Travel between offices is an essential function of this role, including providing coverage for the Burns office when required.

• Be the first face of contact in most field offices for Oregonians and provide a welcoming environment for individuals and 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 Oregon Eligibility application process, for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs.
• Assisting Oregonians through a trauma informed lens.
• Financial duties that include tracking, issuing, and accounting for all financial actions and requirements needed.
• Providing 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).

• 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.

• Demonstrated ability to adapt communication styles to effectively convey complex rules, regulations, and procedures to diverse audiences.
• 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.
• Experience providing customer service serving a diverse clientele.
• Demonstrated expertise in supporting customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.

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, 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…