Initial Posting Date: 05/13/2025
Application Deadline: 05/27/2025
Agency: Department of Human Services
Salary Range: $3,429 - $4,622
Position Type: Employee
Position Title: Operations Support (Human Services Specialist 1)
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.
Special Note: This is a traveling position based in La Grande and will travel throughout the district to provide in-person coverage in the other offices as needed. District 13 has offices in Baker, Union, and Wallowa Counties.
Opportunity awaits. Would you like a career that is both rewarding and provides an opportunity for career growth? If you have experience providing customer service in a fast-paced environment while obtaining information for needed services, then this may be the position for you.
Summary of Duties As an Operations Support team member, you will be the first point of contact for customers entering the physical office or connecting virtually through the online applicant portal or by telephone. This position supports the day-to-day operations of the office. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Contribute to a welcoming environment as families interact with the department.
- Greet and assist customers and colleagues through a trauma-informed lens.
- Assist customers 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.
- Obtain initial information from customers in-person, by phone and via our online applicant portal to provide status updates about their case, answer other inquiries and provide information on how to access community resources.
- Work within a team that collaboratively rotates tasks to support the business needs of the office.
- Complete a high volume of work in a fast-paced environment using various computer programs to track customer details, generate system notices, coordinate internal communication, and document or reference procedures, policies and processes.
Minimum Qualifications - Two (2) 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 at a front desk or reception area in a business setting.
- Experience using time management and prioritization skills to consistently complete tasks and meet deadlines.
- Experience with technical skills that include basic computer and search engine knowledge, email communication and learning new web-based platforms.
- Experience adapting communication style to explain complex processes and/or outcomes to people with diverse communication and learning styles.
- Experience conducting work that requires attention to detail and accuracy, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents.
Attention all candidates. Your resume and/or cover letter (optional, not required) may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field in the online application. Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Please include detailed work and education history that includes the
month/year start date and month/year end date for each role/job. Additional information and/or materials cannot be accepted after the application deadline. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the hiring process and will be used to determine your starting salary range.
Working Conditions - The work schedule is 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday on-site and in-person at the La Grande or an otherwise assigned ODHS branch office within Baker, Union and Wallowa counties.
- Contact with the public, including contact with Oregonians experiencing emotional and financial stress.
- Serve a diverse range of customers with compassion and professionalism through a trauma informed lens.
- May require sitting at a computer or telephone for prolonged periods of the workday.
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.
- 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.
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 Alissa Walker. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number.
- Email:
- Phone (call or text):