Public Benefits Specialist, Entry (Operations Support Specialist) Salem

Initial Posting Date:

11/13/2026

Application Deadline:

11/22/2026

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$3,798 - $4,954

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Public Benefits Specialist, Entry (Operations Support Specialist) Salem

Job Description:

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.

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience relative to the class concept.

Essential Attributes

we are looking for candidates with:

• Experience delivering front-line customer service in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, supporting clients from a diverse background.
• undefined
• Experience in accurately entering and verifying sensitive, detailed data while maintaining confidentiality and demonstrating high integrity.
• undefined
• Demonstrate expertise in supporting customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.
• undefined
• Ability to adapt to communication styles to convey complex rules, regulations and procedures.

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 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 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday Pacific Standard Time (PST). Occasional overtime may be available.
• 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 level is 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’ 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 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 Gregory Azure. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number.

• Email: Gregory.P.Azure@odhs.oregon.gov
• Phone (call or text): 503-509-6443