Job Details

Initial Posting Date:
01/05/2026

Application Deadline:
01/12/2026

Agency:
Department of Human Services

Salary Range:
$3,705 - $4,833

Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:
Public Benefits Specialist Entry

Job Description:

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.

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 work in our Portland office on SW 5th Avenue assisting Oregonians in-person.

• We are centrally located in downtown Portland, with easy access to multiple bus and light-rail (MAX) lines. Parking may be available through a post-tax payroll deduction at the market rate. Our address is 290 SW 5th Avenue. Portland, OR 97204.

Summary of Duties

As a Public Benefits Specialist - Entry, you will:

• Be the first face of contact in most field offices for Oregonians and provide a welcoming environment for families to interact with the department.
• Support the infrastructure of the office by supporting the day-to-day operation.
• Assist Oregonians by providing support in person, over the phone and by email to resolve any questions or concerns with the online Oregon Eligibility system, 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 Self-Sufficiency Program (SSP).

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 providing front-line 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.
• 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 with a strong focus on precision and quality control.
• Demonstrated expertise in supporting customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.

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. 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 does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

Working Conditions

• Will need to access public transit or a paid parking plan for this work location. Employees have the option to use a pre-tax commuter benefit plan.
• Work schedule is a tradition work week, Monday-Friday.
• Experience constant contact with the public, including contact with and possibly de-escalating customers experiencing emotional and financial stress.
• Experience high volume of computer work, using various computer programs in a fast-paced team environment.
• Priorities and procedures may change daily and requires the ability to be flexible in application of procedures.
• This position works in the store front office.

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.
• May require a valid driver's license or other acceptable method of transportation.

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' and Oregon National Guard preference:

• Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.

General Information

• This is a permanent, full-time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
• The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.
• 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 Yvette Medford. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number.
• Email: ...@odhs.oregon.gov
• Phone (call or text): 541-###-####

Come for a job. | Stay for a career. | Make a difference... for a lifetime!