U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley is seeking a Constituent Services Representative to join his Oregon Team (Portland office). This staff member reports to the Constituent Services Director and is part of team helping Oregonians interact with government agencies and some non-governmental organizations. This full-time, non-exempt, administrative position requires someone with modest experience in customer service, social service, or casework. This position may include a focus on immigration casework. 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.

Responsibilities:

• Provide front-line customer service and casework to constituents in Oregon, helping them obtain the information and resources they need to help them solve problems with government 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.
• Occasionally meet with groups and individuals in person to improve casework.
• 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 all of this work.
• Complete other projects and tasks as assigned by the Senator and senior staff.
• Occasional in-state travel may be required.

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and experience in basic customer service (such as retail customer service, online customer support, or technology support experience).
• 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.

Other Advantageous Qualifications:

• Demonstrated knowledge of federal agency policies and procedures relevant to immigration.
• Fluency in a foreign language spoken by large numbers of Oregonians (especially Spanish, Russian, Chinese, or Vietnamese).
• A college degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

The office of Senator Merkley is an equal opportunity employer, committed to developing an organization that is reflective of and sensitive to the needs of the diverse community we serve. The office does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or uniformed service. Members of all diverse communities are encouraged to apply. The U.S. Senate offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement, and student loan repayment assistance.