Job Description

Initial Posting Date:

05/27/2026

Application Deadline:

06/14/2026

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$3,798 - $5,193

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Counselor Assistant (Administrative Specialist 1)

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!

Help strengthen pathways to meaningful employment for people across Oregon. As a Counselor Assistant (Administrative Specialist 1), you will support clients through key steps in their vocational rehabilitation journey, ensuring they feel supported, informed, and encouraged along the way. If you value work that relies on critical thinking, organization, and providing steady support to others, this position could be for you.

of Duties

As a Counselor Assistant, you will:

• Play a key role in supporting vocational rehabilitation services and ensuring clients have a positive experience.

• Provide customer service by addressing client questions, resolving concerns, and sharing accurate, up‑to‑date information about VR services.

• Assist clients throughout the application process, including gathering required information, scheduling appointments, and providing timely updates on their progress.

• Prepare, organize, and maintain case files; review client records; monitor service activity; and support counselors and the Branch Manager with a variety of administrative tasks.

• Manage purchasing and payment processes by coordinating with vendors, tracking expenses, and ensuring proper funding codes are used.

• Maintain accurate databases and records, process file transfers, and ensure all documentation complies with state and federal requirements.

• Coordinate day‑to‑day office operations, including staff scheduling, managing supplies and equipment, handling mail and email, and supporting opening and closing procedures.

• Support effective office functions and business acumen by training new staff, assisting with hiring activities, supporting meetings, and participating in committees and improvement projects.

Minimum Qualifications

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

• Two years of secretarial or basic administrative support experience that includes:

  • records processing,

  • generating documents,

  • and gathering and sorting data; Or

• An associate degree in general office occupations; and One year of experience with

  • records processing,

  • generating documents,

  • and gathering and sorting data. Or

• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience reviewing and verifying billing invoices and service payments for accuracy.

• Experience handling confidential information while following organizational policies and ethical standards.

• Experience completing technical and administrative tasks such as data entry, preparing documents, scheduling, or managing records.

• Experience managing multiple tasks, deadlines, and stakeholders to complete work accurately and on time.

• Experience taking initiative, independently reviewing information to determine next steps, and solving problems.

Working Conditions

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

• Duties for this role will be performed in the local office.

• Occasional travel is required to attend meetings and training as needed. Travel may be local, statewide, or overnight as needed.

• Work takes place in a typical office environment with frequent interruptions and changing priorities.

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-200768

• Recruiter: Amanda Alvarado.

• Email: AMANDA.K.ALVARADO@odhs.oregon.gov

• Phone (call or text): 541-709-8695.