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.

Opportunity awaits!

Love helping people and keeping things organized? Join a team that values your attention to detail and your heart for service! Apply today for this Office Specialist and be the connection that helps our communities access vital services.

Summary of Duties

As an Office Specialist, you will:

• Serve as the first point of contact at the front desk by answering phones, greeting visitors, and directing clients to appropriate 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.

• Assist clients and providers with completing 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 accurate and timely payments.

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

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 accurately handling large volumes of work in fast-paced environments with tight deadlines.

• Experience being adaptable and staying effective in constantly changing work settings.

• Experience explaining complex information in a clear and understandable way.

• Experience using computer systems to manage and process information.

Working Conditions

• Duties for this role will be performed in an office setting, and occasionally in the community.

• Travel is required for purpose of purchasing business items and traveling between different office locations as needed.

• The work schedule for the non-bilingual position is Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm PT, with possible fluctuations based on service needs.

• There may be occasional requirements for compensated overtime, including evenings and weekends.

• You may interact with individuals experiencing trauma or emotional distress. There may be times when individuals have difficulties with managing their emotional responses.

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.

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are 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’ preference

• Veterans’ preference information.

• How to submit your Veteran documents for preference. Please do not attach your Veterans’ preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application.

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-191512.

• Recruiter: Amanda Alvarado.

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone (call or text): 541-709-8695.