Public Benefits Specialist - Entry | Bilingual Preferred - English/Chuukese!

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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.

Bilingual Preferred – English & Chuukese

You do not need to be bilingual to apply for 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. If interested in using your bilingual language skills, upon passing the test, you will receive 5% bilingual differential pay. 

As a Public Benefits Specialist - Entry, you will work in our Southeast Portland office on Malden Street assisting Oregonians in-person.

• The supplemental questions you see during the application process include one asking you to certify that you are bilingual. Although we have updated the position to make bilingual skills preferred rather than required, Workday does not allow us to remove or modify supplemental questions once they are added. You are still required to answer all questions; however, bilingual language ability will not be used to determine whether you meet the minimum or special qualifications for the role.

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 individuals and families to interact with the department.

• Support the infrastructure of the office by supporting the day-to-day operation.

• Provide in‑person, phone, and email assistance to Oregonians, helping resolve questions and guiding them through the Oregon Eligibility application process for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs.

• Schedule intake appointments for Oregonians seeking assistance.

• Assisting Oregonians through a trauma informed lens – creating a welcoming environment for the public.

• Assisting Oregonians through a trauma informed lens.

• May include financial desk responsibilities.

• 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:

• Extensive experience providing front-line customer service in a high-volume reception or front desk environment.

• Proven ability to adapt communication styles to effectively convey complex rules, regulations, and procedures into plan language to diverse audiences.

• Demonstrated expertise in supporting customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.

• Experienced in accurately entering and verifying detailed data.

• 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.

Preference will be given for bilingual language skills in English and Chuukese.

Working Conditions

• Work schedule is a traditional 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.

Preference will be given to candidates that are bilingual in English and Chuukese.

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.

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.

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record may be required for this position.

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: [email protected]

• Phone (call or text): 541-709-0306

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