Job Description

Initial Posting Date:
11/20/2025
Application Deadline:
11/27/2025
Agency:
Department of Human Services
Salary Range:
$4,409 - $5,842
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
East Branch Public Benefits Specialist - Refugee Unit
:
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!
Do you have a passion for serving Oregon's most vulnerable community members? Are you an innovative, compassionate and hard-working individual who thrives when working as part of a team? If this sounds like you, you could be the newest addition to our team, and we sincerely hope you consider joining us.
As a Public Benefits Specialist, you will work in the East Portland Branch assisting Oregonians in-person.
Summary of Duties
As a Public Benefits Specialist, you will:Play a critical role in providing a safety net that support better outcomes for our community members in need. Provide local resources that support individual and family stability. Determine eligibility for people applying for various programs and benefits through interviewing, gathering and assessing information. Programs we administer include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Long Term Care (LTC) services, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Employment Related Day Care (ERDC), Domestic Violence services and various Medicaid (Health insurance) programs. Conduct all work with team members, community partners and customers through a trauma informed and inclusive lens.

Minimum QualificationsOne year of experience working at the Human Services Specialist 1 level for the State of Oregon; OR Two years of experience working with the public, providing assistance and interpreting and applying policies, rules, or guidelines; OR An associate degree in a Behavioral Science, Social Science or a closely related field AND six months of experience working with the public, providing assistance and interpreting and applying policies, rules, or guidelines; OR An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience relative to the class concept.

Essential Attributes
We are looking for candidates with:Experience interviewing customers in person and by phone to obtain pertinent information. Experience using basic mathematics or completing data entry in a work environment with a high level of accuracy. Experience providing services with respect and compassion for community members who have historically been marginalized, underserved, in crisis, or disadvantaged. Experience using time management, organization, and prioritization skills to meet deadlines. Experience identifying peaceful resolutions to disputes or perceived disputes. Experience recognizing symptoms and behaviors that originate from adapting to trauma and using trauma informed de-escalation tactics to minimize re-traumatization.

Working ConditionsThe work schedule will be 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday on site and in-person at one of the following Portland ODHS offices: NE Glisan Street or SE Malden Street. Contact with the public, including contact with Oregonians experiencing emotional and financial stress. Serve a diverse range of customers with compassion and professionalism through a trauma informed lens. May require sitting at a computer or telephone for prolonged periods of the workday.

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 RequirementsIf 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.

BenefitsODHS 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 InformationThis 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. Please include the REQ# when corresponding. Email: yvette.c.medford@odhs.oregon.gov Phone (call or text): 541-709-0306
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