Initial Posting Date:

05/29/2025

Application Deadline:

06/09/2025

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$3,429 - $4,622

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Branch Operations Support (Human Services Specialist 1) Bilingual English & Spanish Preferred

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.

Are you fluent in English and Spanish? Our diverse communities benefit from bilingual support. While not a requirement, preference will be given to candidates who possess this valuable skill.

Opportunity awaits!

Would you like the opportunity to make a positive impact on Oregonians in need of support and resources? Would you enjoy working with a diverse team that collaborates and learns together in service of children, families, and communities? If so, 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.

Summary of Duties

As a Branch Operations Support, you will:

• Helping individuals and families seeking services by providing specialized assistance on behalf of program staff.

• Providing a safety net, family stability and a connection to careers that guide Oregonians out of poverty. The primary focus of (OEP – Oregon Eligibility Partnership Program) is helping and working with Oregonians and they can now apply and have access to life-changing programs such as food benefits (SNAP), cash for families (TANF), childcare assistance (ERDC), medical, refugee services, and domestic violence services 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. This position may also provide support the day-to-day functions through distribution of mail, case transfers.

• The first face of contact in most offices for customers either entering the physical office or virtually through the online application portal or telephone communication. This position will contribute to the welcoming environment as families interact with the department in supporting the day-to-day operations of the office.

• Primarily greet and assist Oregonians through a trauma-informed lens.

• Working within a team that collaboratively rotates tasks to support the business needs of the office, tasks may include scheduling intakes for all programs, financial functions and customer service.

• Actively seeking to provide culturally appropriate services where individuals are treated respectfully, compassionately, and effectively in a manner that recognizes, affirms, and values the worth of children, individuals, families and communities, protecting and preserving the dignity of each. This includes culture, language; national origin; class; race; age; ethnic background; disability; stages of development; religion; gender; sexual orientation and other differences or diversity factors.

Minimum Qualifications

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 providing customer service to a high volume of diverse customers in a manner that demonstrates active listening and compassion by providing information and referrals in Person and by telephone.

• Experience communicating with resolving conflicts/disputes with customers and developing meaningful relationships with colleagues that foster trust, inclusivity, and respect.

• Experience with computer skills, adept in usage and functionality of computers, web browsers, Microsoft programs, quality keyboarding and multiline telephone, email communication and learning new web-based platforms (Scheduling Benefits appointments in person and by phone).

• 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 adapting communication style to explain complex information such as rules or procedures verbally and in writing to diverse audiences including groups who are unfamiliar with the subject and/or learn and communicate differently than you.

• Experience handling confidential or sensitive situations and information with unwavering professionalism, holding self and others to high standards of honesty and integrity.

• Demonstrated willingness to uphold the ODHS Core Values, Equity North-Star, embracing anti-racism work and applying principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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

Working Conditions

• Your work will be conducted in the Office. This position is NOT eligible for (Remote/Hybrid) Work.

• Your typical work schedule will be Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST) on-site and in-person each workday at the Bend ODHS branch office.

• You may interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions that may require quick decision-making to ensure the safety for themselves and others.

• Fast-paced position that includes a high volume of individual and family contact.

• Potentially, you may have required overnight travel to attend statewide meetings, trainings, Coverage and Community Engagement.

• Priorities and procedures may change daily and requires the ability to be flexible in application of procedures. The work schedule for this position will be determined by business need.

Attention all candidates!

• Application materials are screened for minimum qualifications and essential attributes to determine if you advance in the selection process. Clearly describe how you meet these requirements in your application materials.

• Your application materials are used to determine your starting salary range. Please ensure that all education and experience you would like considered is included in your application materials.

• Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. You can attach multiple files in this area at once.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: 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.

• 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, or alternate means of transportation are required for this position.

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

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-181396.

• Recruiter: Amanda Alvarado.

• Email: AMANDA.K.ALVARADO@odhs.oregon.gov

• Phone (call or text): 541-709-8695.