Office Support Specialist

**Initial Posting Date:** 08/31/2026 **Application Deadline:** 09/10/2026 **Agency:** Department of Human Services **Salary Range:** $3,798 - $4,954 **Position Type:** Employee **Position Title:** Office Support Specialist (Public Benefit Specialist - Entry) **Job Description:** **The** [**Oregon Department of Human Services**](https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/about/pages/default.aspx) **is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.** We are guided by our [Equity North Star](https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/equity/Pages/equity-north-star.aspx) and our vision for a positive [RiSE organizational culture](https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/about/Pages/rise.aspx) 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!** In Oregon, we’re committed to empowering every individual to thrive—with dignity, independence, and respect at the heart of everything we do. Be a vital part of this mission by joining our team as essential office support. Your work matters—apply today! As an **Office Support Specialist (Public Benefits Specialist – Entry),** you will work in **The Dalles** office on Klindt Drive assisting Oregonians **in-person.** **Summary of Duties** As a **Public Benefits Specialist – Entry,** you will: * Provide Customer Service by being the first face of contact in most field offices for Oregonians and provide a welcoming environment for families to interact with the department. * Support the infrastructure of the office by supporting the day-to-day operation. * Aid Oregonians in person, by phone or email to resolve any questions or concerns by providing support with the Oregon Eligibility system. * This position provides technical and administrative support related tasks in support of a local Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) office composed of management, eligibility workers, case managers, adult protective service workers and transition coordinators. * Assist Oregonians through a trauma informed lens. * Provide administrative support for the business functions within the office. Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the [Aging & People with Disabilities](https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/agency/Pages/apd.aspx) Programs (APD). **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 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 delivering customer service that reflects strong communication skills in-person as well as over the phone. * Experience collaborating in a professional environment with peers and community partners. * Demonstrated ability to work within a team to collaborate, problem solve and support daily goals. * Demonstrated ability to adapt communication styles to effectively convey complex rules, regulations, and procedures to diverse audiences. * Experienced in accurately entering and verifying detailed data. **Working Conditions** * Work schedule is a tradition work week, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. Although rare, may require some overtime work. * Travel may include supporting other offices in the district. Travel may be in inclement weather. * You may work with individuals experiencing trauma or crisis, including those who struggle to manage their emotions and may at times become hostile or highly distressed. * Experience high volume of computer work, using various computer programs in a fast-paced team environment. * Priorities and procedures may change daily and require the ability to be flexible in application of procedures.  * This position is in the store front office. **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 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.](https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/background-checks/Pages/faq.aspx) * 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. * Requires a valid driver’s license or other acceptable method of transportation. **Benefits** * [ODHS Employee Resource Group](https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/about/pages/workforce-diversity.aspx) 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](https://www.oregon.gov/jobs/Pages/Benefits.aspx). * Possible eligibility for the [Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program](https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service). **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.](https://www.oregon.gov/jobs/Pages/Veterans.aspx) **General Information** * This is a permanent, full-time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).   * The salary range listed is the non-[PERS](https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.oregon.gov%2Fpers%2FPages%2Findex.aspx&data=05%7C02%7CErin.MENNE%40odot.oregon.gov%7C6e1f2a323fc14ccf961008dcbe4b7f59%7C28b0d01346bc4a648d861c8a31cf590d%7C0%7C0%7C638594478685250058%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Fuks5JSLRxrHcwVFKJTCMR40DVckIMQb3XsYnYLaYEM%3D&reserved=0) monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, [the salary range will increase](https://www.oregon.gov/das/hr/pages/cc.aspx) 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**. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number. * Email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) * Phone (call or text): 541-709-0306 **_Come for a job. | Stay for a career. | Make a difference... for a lifetime!_**