Support Staff

Initial Posting Date:

09/25/2025

Application Deadline:

10/03/2025

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 Self-Sufficiency Program and facilitate access to vital services that foster equity and well-being.

As Support Staff, you will work in ourPortland office on SW 5th Avenue assisting Oregonians in-person.

• We are centrally located in downtown Portland, with easy access to multiple bus and light-rail (MAX) lines. Parking may be available through a post-tax payroll deduction at the market rate. 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 in person, by phone or email to resolve any questions or concerns.

• Assist Oregonians through a trauma-informed lens by engaging with community members who may be experiencing difficult life circumstances, such as housing instability or substance use challenges, with empathy, dignity, and respect.

• May include financial desk responsibilities.

• Providing support for the business functions within the office.

• Additional Case Aide support provided to the Family Coaches by coordinating appointments, managing communications, and assisting with referrals and case documentation. Collaborate with community partners, participate in home visits, and engage directly with families to ensure timely services and access to resources. This role plays a key part in maintaining accurate records and fostering strong agency partnerships.

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

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:

• Extensive experience providing front-line customer service in a high-volume, fast-paced reception or front desk environment, serving a diverse clientele.

• Demonstrated expertise in supporting customers facing financial or emotional hardship with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.

• Proven ability to adapt communication styles to effectively convey complex rules, regulations, and procedures to diverse audiences, while demonstrating strong active listening skills.

• Skilled in handling, collecting, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information with a high degree of integrity and discretion.

• Experienced in accurately entering and verifying detailed data with a strong focus on precision and quality control.

• Proficient in navigating various digital platforms, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email systems, and online search tools.

Note: As part of the application process, you will be asked to respond to supplemental questions designed to showcase how you demonstrate the skills outlined in the essential attributes. Your responses will help us gain a deeper understanding of your qualifications and how they align with the desired attributes for this role.

Working Conditions

• Work schedule is a tradition work week, Monday-Friday.

• Parking considerations - While parking can occasionally present a challenge, our central location in downtown Portland offers convenient access to multiple bus routes and MAX light-rail lines. Limited parking may be available at market rates through a post-tax payroll deduction.

• Engage with community members who may be facing difficult life challenges, including housing instability or struggles with substance use. Front staff are encouraged to approach all interactions with compassion, understanding, and a commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive space for everyone.

• 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.

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.

• 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 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 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).  

• The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.

• 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 Yvette Medford. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number.

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone (call or text): 541-709-0306

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