Job Description

Public Benefits Specialist Entry

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.

Note: Effective Feb. 1, 2026, the compensation plan for this position will be increased to reflect a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%. The salary listed in this posting does not reflect the COLA.

Bilingual requirement English and Spanish

This position requires duties to be completed in both English and Spanish. The job offer will be contingent upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements of the position. This position may receive a 5% differential pay based on passing the required language test.

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 Public Benefits Specialist Entry and be the connection that helps our communities access vital services.

Summary of Duties

As a Public Benefits Specialist Entry, you will:

• Manage vouchers, plans, and job records for Home Care Workers.
• Explain policies, solve problems, and make sure payments are on time by talking with clients, providers, and the Central Office.
• Teach Home Care Workers and consumers how to use Provider Time Capture (PTC) and keep records up to date.
• Handle financial tasks, like issuing and balancing payment documents, EBT cards, and vouchers.
• Greet visitors, check in clients, set up appointments, and keep the office running smoothly.
• Keep records, upload files, handle applications, and manage inventory.
• Support case managers, maintain professional relationships, and take part in training and development activities.

Minimum Qualifications

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

You must be bilingual in English & Spanish to qualify for this position.

• Two years of general clerical experience that includes keyboarding, word processing, or other experience generating documents. Or
• An associate degree in any field. Or
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience providing 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 equitable support and guidance to others.

Working Conditions

• The work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm PT.
• Work will take place in offices, participants' homes, and various community sites.
• Occasional travel is required for attending meetings or trainings, providing other offices reception support and delivering items to consumers as needed.
• You may interact with individuals experiencing trauma or emotional distress. There may be times when individuals have difficulties with 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.
• 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' 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-193712.

• Recruiter: Amanda Alvarado.

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

• Phone (call or text): 541-709-8695.

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