Customer Service Guide (Public Benefits Specialist Entry)

Initial Posting Date:

04/14/2026

Application Deadline:

04/21/2026

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$3,798 - $4,954

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Customer Service Guide (Public Benefits Specialist Entry)

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.

Opportunity awaits! Step into a role where your efforts directly empower Oregonians to rise above poverty—become a key player in the Oregon Eligibility Partnership and facilitate access to vital services that foster equity and well-being.

As a Customer Service Guide (Public Benefits Specialist Entry), you will work in-person in our Florence, Oregon Branch assisting Oregonians. This position is not eligible for remote work.

Summary of Duties

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

• Be the first face of contact in the ODHS offices for customers either entering the physical office or virtually through the online application portal or telephone communication.

• Contribute to the welcoming environment as families interact with the department.

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

• 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.

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

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 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:

• Customer Service: Demonstrated professional demeanor that delivers quality customer service daily by telephone, in writing or in person.

• Computer Skills: Experience in usage and functionality of computers, web browsers, databases, and programs such as Microsoft along with other general office equipment such as phone systems, copiers, scanners, fax, e