Job Description

Initial Posting Date:

05/12/2026

Application Deadline:

05/26/2026

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$3,798 - $4,954

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Public Benefits Specialist-Entry | Bilingual Required English/Spanish

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.

Bilingual Required: English & Spanish

To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in English & Spanish. The job offer will be contingent upon passing a test evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements for this position. Upon passing the test, you will receive 5% bilingual differential pay.

Opportunity awaits! Our Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) Hood River team is seeking a talented individual who is dedicated to providing quality customer service through a trauma informed lens. If you are looking for a meaningful career that serves Oregon’s most vulnerable community members, apply today to join our team!

As a Public Benefits Specialist-Entry, you will work in The Dallesofficeassisting Oregonians in-person.

of Duties

Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) is a program within ODHS that determines eligibility for people living in Oregon who apply for medical, food, cash and childcare benefits through the ONE eligibility system. OEP plays critical part of the eligibility process that moves beyond integration and equality, to focus on equity of services and providing timely, accurate, and necessary eligibility determinations through a person-centered approach.

As a Benefits Support Staff team member, you will:

• Provide in‑person 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.

• Be the first face of contact in the office 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.

• Assisting Oregonians through a trauma informed lens in person, over the phone and via email.

• May include financial desk responsibilities.

• Providing support for the business functions within the office.

Minimum Qualifications

• To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in Spanish and English.

• Two (2) 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 (6) 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 handling confidential information with unwavering professionalism, holding self and others to high standards of honesty and integrity.

• Intermediate computer proficiency with online research tools, digital communication and appointment scheduling.

• Experience adapting communication style to explain complex processes and/or outcomes to people with diverse communication and learning styles.

• Experience providing services or resources with respect and compassion to community members who have historically been marginalized, underserved, in crisis, or disadvantaged.

• Experience accurately applying complex rules and policies to various types of cases or circumstances.

Working Conditions

• Your work schedule will be 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday PST/PDT.

• This role may be eligible to telework one day per week when business needs allow; however, in‑office work may be required daily to support Oregonians during periods of low staffing.

• Work is conducted in offices and other program sites.

• May require sitting at a terminal or telephone for prolonged periods of the workday.

• You will interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may be experiencing emotional and/or financial distress.

• Consistent attendance is essential.

• Flexibility/adaptability is essential due to a changing environment with regular policy, program, and technical adjustments.

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 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 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.

• 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).

• 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: Yvette.C.Medford@odhs.oregon.gov

• Phone (call or text): 541-709-0306

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