Public Benefits Specialist - Entry | Bilingual English/Spanish or English/Russian preferred

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 to join our Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) team in Oregon City. 

Bilingual English/Spanish or English/Russian preferred:  

• 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. 

Together, we can create lasting change! 

Summary of Duties 

The Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) is part of the Oregon Department of Human Services. OEP supports state staff who determine eligibility for people applying for and receiving medical, food, cash, and childcare benefits. It also manages the ONE Eligibility System used to process applications and deliver benefits to eligible individuals and families in Oregon. One in three people in Oregon receive benefits through the ONE Eligibility System. OEP administers the ONE Eligibility system in partnership with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC). 

As a Public Benefits Specialist, Entry you will provide:   

Administrative Duties/Customer Service: 

• 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.  

Eligibility Support:  

• 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.  

Eligibility Screening:  

• 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. 

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 engaging with the community, assessing resources and services, and supporting a diverse population. 

• Experience effectively communicating, managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, and maintaining attention to detail.   

• Experience navigating evolving policies and procedures while demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning.   

• Experience actively implementing equitable practices and applying diversity, equity, and inclusion principles effectively.   

• Experience analyzing, applying, and effectively communicating rules and regulations. 

• Keyboarding: Proficient in typing with a speed of 45 WPM. If you do not know your typing/keyboarding speed, please consider using a free online typing speed test such as https://www.typingtest.com/ 

• Preference will be given to bilingual English/Spanish or English/Russian candiates.

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, including your 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 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. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.  

• 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. 

• The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) 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. 

•  Important: Please monitor both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment. You may be asked to submit additional information after initial application.  

•  The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PDT/PST) on the close date.  Immediately after you submit your application, be sure to respond to the two questionnaires relating to public records requests and veterans’ preference. These questions are necessary to complete the application process.  

Application and Selection Process Information 

• Candidates will be notified at the end of each step in the process whether they are moving forward to the next step. 

Application review 

• Applications will be reviewed for qualifications during the posting period and will be completed within five working days of the job posting closing.  

Working Conditions  

• Work Locations: In-person office environment. 315 Beavercreek Rd, Oregon City, OR, 97045 

• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, with slight variations based on office business needs; overtime is not required.  

• Travel: Occasional travel for meetings, trainings, and other work-related activities. This includes required occasional overnight travel. 

• This role involves handling sensitive topics related to trauma, abuse, and crises, requiring a trauma-informed approach that is essential to ensure a safe environment. 

• You may interact with individuals who have experienced trauma and may have difficulty managing their emotions. 

• Be prepared for stressful situations that require quick decision-making to ensure safety for yourself and others. 

Background Checks and Requirements   

• If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information.  

• The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. 

Benefits  

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning. 

• Cost of Living Adjustments. 

• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range). 

• Amazing benefits package.  

• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.  

Employment Preference  

Veterans’ preference: 

• Veterans’ preference information. 

• How to submit your Veteran documents for preference. Please do not attach your Veterans’ preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application. 

General Information   

• This is a ​permanent​, ​full-time​ position and is ​represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). ​  

• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.  

Contact Information  

We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions.   

• The recruiter for this position is ​Nadja Rue​. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-191374.