U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley is seeking a Constituent Services Representative to join his Oregon team to assist Oregonians with Social Security and health care matters. This staff member reports to the Constituent Services Director and is part of a team helping Oregonians interact with government agencies and some non-governmental organizations. This full-time, non-exempt position requires someone with experience in customer service, social service, or casework. This position is based in the Portland, Oregon office. Qualified candidates should be independent self-starters who thrive in a fast-paced and highly collaborative team-oriented environment. Primary Duties: The Constituent Services Representative is a member of the Senator’s Constituent Services Team who functions as caseworker, facilitator, and guide through bureaucracies. This individual represents the Senator and the office and, in coordination with other staff, acts as a liaison to various government offices and constituency groups. Salary is $58,000-$61,000, and the U.S. Senate offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, student loan repayment, and retirement benefits.

Responsibilities: Provide front-line customer service and casework to constituents in Oregon to help them obtain the information and resources they need to help them solve problems with agencies. Manage a caseload involving a range of issues and agencies. Constituent Services Representatives focus on particular issue areas, but are expected to cross-train and take on cases outside of their core portfolio. Flexibly adapt to roles of a liaison, facilitator, problem-solver, and advocate when working with government agencies, community and advocacy organizations, and occasionally with private sector entities. Identify specific cases that illustrate a need for increased public awareness or potential changes in policy, especially cases tied to the Senator’s policy priorities. Establish and maintain relationships with government liaisons and constituency groups related to assigned portfolio. Identify opportunities for the Senator and other staff to build relationships with stakeholders related to assigned portfolio. Support the policy-related efforts of the Senator’s office by sharing information and awareness gained from casework. Complete other projects and tasks as assigned by the Senator and senior staff.

Required Qualifications: Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and experience in customer service. Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, yet also exercise discretion, initiative, self-reliance, and independent judgment. Demonstrated ability to understand and acknowledge another person’s point of view with genuine empathy and compassion. Problem-solving skills, the ability to analyze a constituent’s current situation, and skills in navigating a regulatory framework. Capable of organizing and prioritizing activities in a deadline-driven environment. Ability to exercise good political judgment. Respect for individual privacy and discretion in dealing with constituents’ problems. Excellent verbal and written communications skills – especially interpersonal communication – in a variety of forums. A college degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Other Advantageous Qualifications: Demonstrated knowledge of federal agency policies and procedures related to Social Security and health care. Fluency in a foreign language spoken by large numbers of Oregonians.

Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter by Wednesday, June 17th to Oregon_jobs@merkley.senate.gov. We invite members of all diverse communities to apply as we endeavor to best serve Oregonians from every background.