Public Benefits Specialist, Entry; Bilingual English

Initial Posting Date: 01/08/2026

Final date to receive applications: 01/18/2026

Agency:
Department of Human Services

Salary Range: $3,952 - $5,169

Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:

Public Benefits Specialist, Entry (Bilingual English/Spanish Preferred)

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.

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.

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.

Opportunity awaits! Step into a role where your efforts directly empower Oregonians to rise above poverty—become a key player in the Self‑Sufficiency Program and facilitate access to vital services that foster equity and well‑being.

As a Public Benefits Specialist, Entry you will:

• Create a welcoming environment for the public with friendly, respectful, professional, and courteous service.
• Managing incoming mail and multiple email accounts.
• Answer phones with appropriate phone system when covering phones. Including answering client’s questions in regard to 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.
• Managing incoming mail and multiple email accounts.
• Answer phones with appropriate phone system when covering phones. Including answering client’s questions in regard to 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.

• 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.).
• 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.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience relative to the class concept.

Preference will be given to bilingual candidates.

• Experience conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents.
• Experience providing customer service serving a diverse clientele.
  
  Demonstrated ability to adapt communication styles to effectively convey complex rules, regulations, and procedures to diverse audiences.
• Skilled in handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information.

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. If you are selected as the final…