Office Specialist 2

Initial Posting Date:

09/22/2025

Application Deadline:

09/29/2025

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$3,429 - $4,622

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Office Specialist 2 | Bilingual English/Russian preferred - not required!

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.

Opportunity awaits! Join a mission that matters!  As an Office Specialist, you will help Oregon’s older adults, people with disabilities, and their families access innovative, person-centered services and supports that uphold dignity, promote independence, and respect cultural preferences. Your work will make a direct impact—ensuring individuals receive the assistance they need to thrive in the communities they choose at every stage of life. Be part of a team dedicated to safety, well-being, and honoring choice! 

Aging and People with Disabilities: 

Our vision is that Oregon’s older adults, people with disabilities and their families experience person-centered services, supports and early interventions that are innovative and help maintain independence, promote safety and well-being, honor choice, respect cultural preferences and uphold dignity. The services provided help people access the supports they need to live their best lives —​ in the communities they choose and at every stage of life. 

We are seeking a committed and detail-oriented Support Staff (Office Specialist 2) (Bilingual English/Spanish preferred – not required!) to join our dynamic Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) team in Milwaukie. 

English/Spanish preferred:

You do not need to be bilingual to apply or be considered for this position. If you are bilingual, we encourage you to apply! We serve diverse communities and recognize the importance of serving people in their preferred language. 

Together, we can create lasting change!  

Summary of Duties 

In your role as Support Staff, you will: 

• Your primary role will encompass calling case managed clients and scheduling them for appointments to renew their benefits. 

• Assist with front desk reception tasks, managing both telephone and walk-in inquiries. 

• Answer incoming calls, assess the nature of the inquiry, and provide accurate information. 

• Direct calls to appropriate staff members or forward to voicemail when unavailable. 

• Greet visitors upon arrival, assess the purpose of their visit, and guide them to the appropriate staff member or program area. 

• Screen and direct walk-in clients and callers for referral to external community services and resources, including local, state, and federal agencies.  

• Utilize agency referral forms and apply effective communication skills to assess client needs.  

• Provide clerical support services to case managers and eligibility workers including filing client information, packaging and labeling case files, data entry and retrieve information about clients for staff.  

Minimum Qualifications

• Two years of general clerical experience that includes keyboarding, word processing, or other experience generating documents; OR 

• An associate degree in any field; OR 

• An equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience in a reception setting delivering exceptional customer service. 

• Experience adjusting communication style to the receiving audience and building rapport with a variety of people. 

• Proven experience maintaining organization, and swiftly adapting to shifting priorities and new responsibilities, utilizing knowledge of the program and team to make informed decisions. 

• Knowledge or experience with crisis intervention or conflict resolution techniques. 

• Experience working independently and cohesively with a team. 

Attention all candidates!

• A cover letter is required. 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, including your resume and job history are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range. If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is listed as a minimum qualification for the position, please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process. 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 (AI) 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.

• Important: Please monitor both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment. You may be asked to submit additional information after initial application.

• The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PDT/PST) on the close date. Immediately after you submit your application, be sure to respond to the two questionnaires relating to public records requests and veterans’ preference. These questions are necessary to complete the application process.

Working Conditions

• Work Locations: Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) office in Milwaukie. 

• Hours: Regular work week: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 

• Travel: Occasional travel for meetings, trainings, and other case related activities. This includes required occasional overnight travel. 

• Physical Requirements: Includes repetitive motions, prolonged periods of sitting, and daily use of computers and other technology. 

• This role involves handling sensitive topics related to trauma, abuse, and crises, requiring a trauma-informed approach that is essential to ensure a safe environment. 

• You may interact with individuals who have experienced trauma and may have difficulty managing their emotions. 

• Be prepared for stressful situations that require quick decision-making to ensure safety for yourself and others. 

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 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

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 Nadja Rue. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-187210.