Human Services Specialist 1. Bilingual English/Spanish Preferred

Initial Posting Date:

04/17/2025

Application Deadline:

04/24/2025

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$3,651 - $4,943

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

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.

This position requires duties to be done in both English and Spanish, but not required. This position may receive a 5% differential pay based on passing the required language test.

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

Summary of Duties

As an Operations Support (Human Services Specialist 1), you will:

• Be 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.

• Assist Oregonians by providing support with the online Oregon Eligibility system, for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs. by phone or email to resolve any questions or concerns.

• Assisting Oregonians through a trauma informed lens.

• May include financial desk responsibilities.

• Providing support for the business functions within the office.

• Providing support to branch staff in supporting the work and the families using the case aid model.

Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the Self-Sufficiency Program (SSP) and the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP). 

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:

-Front desk/reception experience that consistently has delivered excellent customer service and demonstrated excellent communication skills.

-Experience demonstrating compassion and empathizing with customers experiencing financial or emotional stress in a professional environment.

-Experience explaining complex rules, regulations, or procedures (technical information) in a non-technical way working supportive to people of in need.

-Experience entering and/or verifying detailed data with a history of high accuracy.

-Experience handling confidential or sensitive information.

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.

Working Conditions

• Experience constant contact with the public, including contact with and possibly de-escalating customers experiencing emotional and 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. 

• This position works in the store front office and is not a remote position.

• 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.

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 Brent Lawrence If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number.
• Email: brent.lawrence@odhs.oregon.gov