Public Benefits Specialist, Entry

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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.

Are you fluent in English and Spanish? Our diverse communities' benefit from bilingual support. While not a requirement, preference will be given to candidates who have this valuable skill.

This position will be in the Redmond office on Highland Ave.

Opportunity awaits!

Join our team as a Benefits Support Staff (Public Benefit Specialist, Entry), where you'll play a pivotal role in providing exceptional office support and creating a welcoming environment for our clients.

Summary of Duties

As a Public Benefit Specialist, Entry, you will:

• Serve as the first point of contact at the front desk by answering phones, greeting visitors, and directing clients to the right staff or community resources.

• Perform data entry and administrative tasks in systems such as ONE and MMIS, including uploading documents, scheduling appointments, and issuing EBT and medical cards.

• Aid clients and providers with applications, verifying documentation, and answering questions about available programs and services.

• Maintain and update provider records, process background checks, and support the Provider Time Capture (PTC) system to ensure correct and prompt payments.

• Monitor and keep office supplies, equipment, and state vehicles; coordinate repairs and track usage of state-issued devices.

• Process financial transactions, including receipting payments, entering authorizations, and resolving issues related to checks and benefits.

• Support added administrative functions such as mail processing, NVRA and RMSS reporting, and providing backup coverage to other district offices as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.

• 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 delivering thoughtful, empathetic, and solution-focused support to individuals. 

• Experience recognizing, analyzing, and creatively solving various problems. 

• Experience applying organizational policies and processes to complete tasks.

• Experience clearly explaining information in speech and in writing to diverse people.

• Experience making independent decisions and offering fair and fair support and guidance to others.

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

Working Conditions

• Duties for this role will be performed in the local office, which is in Redmond Oregon on Highland Ave.

• Occasional travel is needed within the community to support work in other offices as needed.

• The work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm PT.

• You may interact with individuals experiencing trauma or emotional distress, and there may be times when individuals have difficulty managing their emotional responses.

• You may meet situations requiring quick decision‑making to ensure your safety or the safety of others.

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.

• Your application materials are used to determine your starting salary range. Please ensure that all education and experience you would like considered are included in your application materials. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. You can attach multiple files in this area at once.

• 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. 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.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: 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.

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’ 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).  

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

Contact Information

Please contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and application or Job-specific questions.

Please include the job requisition number: REQ-206282.

• Recruiter: Amanda Alvarado.

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone (call or text): 541-709-8695.