Public Benefits Specialist, Entry – Bilingual Required (English & Chinese/Mandarin)

Initial Posting Date

05/14/2026

Application Deadline

05/21/2026

Agency

Department of Human Services

Salary Range

$3,798 - $4,954

Position Type

Employee

Position Title

Public Benefits Specialist, Entry – Bilingual Required (English & Chinese/Mandarin)

Job Description

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.

Bilingual requirement English & Chinese/Mandarin/Cantonese.

This position requires duties to be completed in both English & Chinese/Mandarin. 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! Are you an equity-minded professional with heart? Do you enjoy people, problem solving, and working with others to create a positive, productive and inclusive workplace? If so, keep reading - we may have your ideal job!

Summary Of Duties

As a Public Benefits Specialist, Entry, you will:

• Schedule interview, home visit, referral appointments. Set up and maintain appointment schedules for multiple workers.
• Provide forms to customers to apply for or receive services either from SSP or a contract/community partner.
• Review applicant documents for completeness (including needed verification), for TANF, ERDC and SNAP to ensure all questions have been answered; including applications received online, electronically and in paper format. Screening may include a brief interview with customers to identify their situation as well as checking mandatory system and narrative screens. May schedule appointments with appropriate workers in alignment with branch protocol.
• Answer phones with appropriate phone system when covering phones, including answering client’s questions regarding programs and case specific information.
• Input of incoming tasks into database and create working batches.
• Process administrative tasks in One System related to eligibility.
• Explain procedures, including such things as applying for benefits, providing documentation, and requesting grievance or hearings.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in Chinese Mandarin and English.

• 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 a 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 proactively understanding customer needs, providing accurate and timely information, maintaining a positive attitude, and contributing to high-quality customer experience.
• Experience communicating policies, procedures, and program information clearly and respectfully to diverse customers in a manner that supports understanding, access to services, and positive customer experiences.
• Experience protecting the privacy and dignity of clients by accurately documenting services, securely storing records, and maintaining confidentiality when sharing information with colleagues, supervisors, and community partners.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, fostering inclusive and equitable relationships.
  
  

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. 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. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
• 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.
• 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.
  
  

Working Conditions

• Your work schedule will be 8:15 a.m. – 5:15 p.m., Monday – Friday Pacific Standard Time (PST). Occasional overtime may be available.
• The work schedule for this position will be determined by business needs. Also based on business need, this position may be relocated to other offices within the district.
• Employees in these positions may be required to work a flexible work schedule as a condition of employment. This is understood to mean that the hours of work may vary and could include evenings and weekends under certain circumstances.
• Travel may be required to meet business needs or to attend employee training classes.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record to use state vehicles. Reasonable accommodations per the ADA or creative solutions in certain cases may be used to meet this need.
• This position is assigned to the Store Front Office incumbent will be working in an office environment in-person. The office is constructed of cubicles, so work is often interrupted, and noise levels are sometimes high.
• You will interact with a wide range of people, including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions.
• You may encounter stressful situations that require quick decision-making to ensure safety of yourself and others.
• Fast paced environment with constantly evolving policies and procedures.
• Repetitive motions, prolonged sitting, and daily computer and technology use.
• High volume of computer work/keyboarding in a fast-paced team environment.
  
  

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.
  
  

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.
• 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%.
  
  

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-200169.

• Recruiter: Adrian Ortiz
• Email: Adrian.X.Ortiz@odhs.oregon.gov
• Phone (call or text): 541-408-6557