TEMPORARY Customer Service Guide (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry), Bilingual Preferred: English/Spanish

Initial Posting Date:

09/04/2026

Application Deadline:

09/10/2026

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$3,515 - $4,738

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

TEMPORARY Customer Service Guide (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry), Bilingual Preferred: English/Spanish

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 Preferred – English & Spanish

You do not need to be bilingual to apply or be considered for this position.  If you are bilingual, we encourage you to apply!  We serve diverse communities and recognize the importance of serving people in their preferred language.  If interested in using your bilingual language skills, upon passing the test, you will receive 5% bilingual differential pay. 

We are currently seeking to fill a (TEMPORARY 6 months) Customer Service Guide to join our team in the Tillamook office.

Opportunity awaits!

Looking for meaningful work with real impact?  Would you enjoy working with a diverse team that collaborates and learns together in service of children, families and communities?  If so, we welcome you to bring your customer service knowledge and experience and step into this role where your skills can shine! 

Summary of Duties

As a Customer Service Guide (Public Benefits Specialist, Entry) you will:

• Greet and assist Oregonians through a trauma-informed lens.

• This position will contribute to the welcoming environment as families interact with the department.  In supporting the day-to-day operations of the office, virtually through the online application portal or telephone communication. 

• Work with Oregonians who are applying for programs such as medical, cash for families (TANF), Domestic Violence services, food benefits (SNAP), childcare assistance (ERDC), and long-term care services in-person, by phone and via our online applicant portal to answer case status and other inquiries; provide information on how to access community resources. 

• Complete all administrative duties to include but not limited too; Data entry, maintaining electronic filing, coordinate meeting rooms, and manage incoming mail in person and electronically. 

• Work within a team that collaboratively rotates tasks to support the business needs of the office. 

Minimum Qualifications

A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.

• Two years of experience either interviewing to obtain personal or technical information or substantial people contact.

  • This experience must have involved a high volume of paperwork (e.g., assuring information on forms is complete and accurate, completing necessary documents, etc.)

  • College-level courses may be substituted for the experience on a year-for-year basis. 

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience clearly communicating program rules, procedures, and eligibility requirements to diverse audiences while demonstrating active listening skills.

• Experience with managing high-volume, fast-paced front desk operations while ensuring a welcoming and organized environment.

• Experience using multiple systems in tandem for research and tracking details for each customer or case and eliciting information from applicants/recipients for a program/service. 

• Experience handling confidential and sensitive information with a high degree of integrity and discretion. 

• Experience working independently and cohesively with a team. 

Preference will be given to candidates that are bilingual in Spanish and English.

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 selected as the top candidate for this position, and education is a requirement in the minimum qualifications, please be prepared to provide verification of your college/university degree with month/year of completion for further consideration. 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.

Working Conditions

• Work schedule is 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday on-site, In Office in Tillamook, OR. 

• Overtime or additional hours beyond your normal schedule is rare, however could be based on business needs.

• Experience constant contact with the public, including contact with customers experiencing emotional or financial stress.

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

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

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.

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.

Benefits

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.

• Cost of Living Adjustments.

• 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 Ryan Bennett

• email: [email protected]