Counselor Assistant (Administrative Specialist 1)

Initial Posting Date:

07/15/2025

Application Deadline:

07/29/2025

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$3,705 - $5,066

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Counselor Assistant (Administrative 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.

To learn more about VR, see the following video:

https://vimeo.com/1074729137/5e0c7096a8

Opportunity awaits! Do you have a passion for serving Oregon's most vulnerable community members? Are you an innovative, compassionate, and hard-working individual who thrives when working as part of a team? If this sounds like you, you could be the newest addition to our team, and we sincerely hope you consider joining us.

Summary of Duties

This position will provide direct consumer support services to a team of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors and the Branch Manager by performing technical casework assistant tasks. Perform office support activities requiring good judgment and decision making, knowledge of policies, procedures, and laws. Primary duties will include client support services, casework support services and review of referrals and information.

As a Counselor Assistant (Administrative Specialist 1), you will:

• Process records requests from multiple agencies in accordance with agency records policy and client’s privacy rights.
• Review tracking report with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) to ensure medical records are received in a timely manner to complete eligibility.
• Assist in the program’s case management system (ORCA), understanding of caseload management, categories and subcategories utilized, and budget financial management.
• Assist and manage multiple vendors with frequent follow up on payments for services provided.
• Provide person-centered direct support services to customers with disabilities by assisting with completion of application forms, gathering information to assist in determining eligibility for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services.

Minimum Qualifications

Two years of secretarial or basic administrative support experience that includes records processing, generating documents, and gathering and sorting data;

OR

An associate degree in general office occupations and one year of experience with records processing, generating documents, and gathering and sorting data;

OR

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

1-Experience auditing billing invoices and payments for client services

2-Experience maintain a high degree of integrity with regards to ethics and respect for confidentiality.

3-Experience in performing a variety of clerical functions at a technical or secretarial support level.

4- Experience communicating verbally and in writing with a variety of people by answering questions and explaining 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. A Cover Letter is not required.

• 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

• Your work will take place in the Corvallis office with hours of Monday through Friday from 8am – 5pm.
• Daily work with a diverse group of program participants who have physical, mental and/or emotional disabilities.
• Work in an environment with frequent interruptions due to phone calls, and staff or client needs.
• Must have the ability to prioritize and work under critical timelines.
• Local or out of town travel is necessary at all times so must possess a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving records to use state vehicle.  Reasonable accommodations per the ADA or other solutions in certain cases may be used to meet this need.
• May encounter angry, hostile, frustrated individuals as wells as those with behavioral or cognitive challenges.

Background Checks and Requirements

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.
• 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.
• Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint-based criminal records check. 
• 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