Office Support Specialist (Public Benefit Specialist - Entry)

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Opportunity awaits!

In Oregon, we’re committed to empowering every individual to thrive—with dignity, independence, and respect at the heart of everything we do. Be a vital part of this mission by joining our team as essential office support. Your work matters—apply today!

As an Office Support Specialist (Public Benefits Specialist – Entry), you will work in The Dalles office on Klindt Drive assisting Oregonians in-person.

Summary of Duties

As a Public Benefits Specialist – Entry, you will:

• Provide Customer Service by being the first face of contact in most field offices for Oregonians and provide a welcoming environment for families to interact with the department.

• Support the infrastructure of the office by supporting the day-to-day operation.

• Aid Oregonians in person, by phone or email to resolve any questions or concerns by providing support with the Oregon Eligibility system.

• This position provides technical and administrative support related tasks in support of a local Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) office composed of management, eligibility workers, case managers, adult protective service workers and transition coordinators.

• Assist Oregonians through a trauma informed lens.

• Provide administrative support for the business functions within the office.

Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the Aging & People with Disabilities Programs (APD).

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 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 delivering customer service that reflects strong communication skills in-person as well as over the phone.

• Experience collaborating in a professional environment with peers and community partners.

• Demonstrated ability to work within a team to collaborate, problem solve and support daily goals.

• Demonstrated ability to adapt communication styles to effectively convey complex rules, regulations, and procedures to diverse audiences.

• Experienced in accurately entering and verifying detailed data.

Working Conditions

• Work schedule is a tradition work week, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. Although rare, may require some overtime work.

• Travel may include supporting other offices in the district. Travel may be in inclement weather.

• You may work with individuals experiencing trauma or crisis, including those who struggle to manage their emotions and may at times become hostile or highly distressed.

• Experience high volume of computer work, using various computer programs in a fast-paced team environment.

• Priorities and procedures may change daily and require the ability to be flexible in application of procedures. 

• This position is in the store front office.

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.

• Requires 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).  

• The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.

• 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: [email protected]

• Phone (call or text): 541-709-0306

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