Initial Posting Date:

04/15/2025

Application Deadline:

04/22/2025

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$3,429 - $4,622

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Support Staff (Human Services Specialist 1)

Job Description:

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 Support Staff, you will work in-person in our Portland Branch (on SW 5th Avenue) assisting Oregonians. This position is not eligible for a remote schedule.

Parking in the area can be a bit challenging, but there are several options available. Our location in the heart of downtown Portland offers convenient access to multiple bus routes and light-rail (MAX) lines. If you choose to drive, out-of-pocket parking costs typically range from $11–$12 per day or $205 per month. To help offset these expenses, employees can take advantage of our pre-tax commuter benefit program, which allows you to save money on eligible work-related commuting costs. Our address is 290 SW 5th Avenue, Portland, OR 97204.

Summary of Duties

As Support Staff (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.

Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through 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:

• Experience in a reception/front desk setting delivering customer service to a high volume and diverse customer base.

• Demonstrated experience completing work that requires attention to detail and obligations with deadlines.

• Demonstrated experience adapting communication styles to the intended audience while explaining complex rules, regulations, or procedures, as well as demonstrating active listening.

• Experience navigating online systems, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email, and search engines.

• Experience collecting and safe-guarding confidential and sensitive information.

• Experience demonstrating compassion and patience will assisting customers experiencing financial lor emotional stress in a professional environment.

Attention all candidates!

Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application or resume. 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 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

• Will need to access public transit or a paid parking plan for this work location. Employees have the option to use a pre-tax commuter benefit plan.

• 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.

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.

• May require a valid driver’s license or other acceptable method of transportation.

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.

• The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect an additional 6.95%.

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: Yvette.C.Medford@odhs.oregon.gov

• Phone (call or text): 541-709-0306

Come for a job. | Stay for a career. | Make a difference... for a lifetime!