Benefits Support Staff (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry) | Spanish/English bilingual required

Initial Posting Date:

04/15/2026

Application Deadline:

04/26/2026

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$3,798.00 - $4,954.00

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Benefits Support Staff (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry) | Spanish/English bilingual required

Job Description:

Nos enorgullece ser un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades. Estamos trabajando de manera activa para crear una agencia equitativa junto a Equity North Star como guía y continuar nuestra visión de ser una agencia sin racismo, discriminación ni sesgo. Creemos que los equipos en los que todos pueden mostrarse de manera auténtica son fundamentales para crear una fuerza laboral próspera que pueda brindarle un mejor servicio a la comunidad. Invitamos a los miembros de grupos raciales o étnicos históricamente subrepresentados, mujeres, personas con discapacidades, veteranos, miembros de la comunidad LGBTQIA2S+ y otras personas a presentar una solicitud. 

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! 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!

Summary 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

• 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. 

Attention all candidates!

Your resume (optional) and cover letter (optional) may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.

• 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 hiring process and will be used to determine your starting salary range if you are selected as a final candidate.

• Please include detailed work history that includes the month/year start date and month/year end date for each role/job. If applicable for college degrees, please clearly indicate if a degree has been completed when providing educational history (graduation dates are not required on applications).

• 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.

• 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.

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.

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 Alissa Walker. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-198640.

• Email: ALISSA.WALKER@odhs.oregon.gov

• Phone (call or text): 503-519-1807