Oregon Department of Human Services
Oregon Department of Human Services
The Oregon Department of Human Services is a state government agency supporting the health, safety, and well-being of people across Oregon. Its work spans child welfare, self-sufficiency services, and support for older adults and people with disabilities. The department collaborates with state agencies and community partners to deliver programs that help individuals, families, and communities meet essential needs. Its large public-service workforce contributes to the administration and delivery of social and human services throughout the state.

Entry-Level Bilingual Public Benefits Specialist – Portland Onsite

Provide in-person, phone, and email assistance to Oregonians seeking public benefits and essential services. Support Portland office operations while helping customers navigate eligibility systems and stressful financial or emotional circumstances.

Description

  • Serve as the first point of contact for Oregonians visiting the field office
  • Create a welcoming environment for families engaging with the department
  • Support daily office operations and administrative functions
  • Answer questions in person, by phone, and by email about the Oregon Eligibility system and ODHS, OHA, and DELC programs
  • Deliver trauma-informed assistance
  • Track, issue, and reconcile financial actions and related requirements as assigned
  • Use the Oregon Eligibility Partnership to help connect people with essential services
  • Handle frequent public interactions, including de-escalating customers facing emotional or financial stress when necessary
  • Complete high-volume computer tasks in a fast-paced team setting
  • Adjust to evolving priorities and procedures

Requirements

  • English-Spanish bilingual proficiency, demonstrated through a required proficiency test
  • Two years of high-volume reception or call center experience involving interviewing, customer service, data entry, or document completion; or
  • An associate degree in Behavioral Science, Social Science, or a closely related field plus six months of experience in a busy reception or call center; or
  • An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience
  • Front-line experience supporting diverse communities and clients
  • Ability to explain complex rules, regulations, and procedures to varied audiences
  • Ability to handle, collect, and protect confidential and sensitive information
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, online search tools, and digital platforms
  • Accurate, detail-oriented data entry and verification skills
  • Ability to provide respectful, sensitive assistance to customers dealing with financial or emotional challenges
  • United States work authorization; the Oregon Department of Human Services does not provide visa sponsorship
  • Successful completion of a criminal history and background check
  • A valid driver’s license or other acceptable transportation may be required

Benefits

  • 5% bilingual pay differential after passing the bilingual proficiency test
  • Cost-of-living adjustments
  • Annual salary increases until the top of the listed salary range is reached
  • Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard preference
  • A 6.95% PERS salary-range increase for participating or eligible members
  • Employee Resource Groups that foster shared learning

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