Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

Initial Posting Date:

06/02/2025

Application Deadline:

06/17/2025

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$4,833 - $7,407

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Permanency Worker (Social Service 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.

Opportunity awaits!

Imagine having an opportunity to build rapport with families, understand their uniqueness, and learn about how each family functions. As a Permanency Worker, you will have an opportunity to make a positive impact on Oregonians in need of support and resources. If you are looking to make a difference, this Permanency Worker position may be for you!

Summary of Duties

As a Permanency Worker, you will:

• Support Families: Play a critical role in helping families achieve their goals while ensuring child safety.

• Case Management: Work with diverse families, may include American Indian/Alaskan Native communities, collaborating with tribal entities and community partners.

• Engage Effectively: Interact with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers using a trauma-informed and antiracist approach to achieve safety and optimal outcomes.

• Develop Strategies: Create and implement strategies that leverage family strengths and address areas needing improvement.

• Handle Documentation and Legal Duties: Conduct home visits, complete legal documentation, attend court hearings, and address child safety issues.

• Balance Needs and Legal Requirements: Ensure a balance between the needs of the child and family while adhering to legal requirements.

• Build Rapport: Establish meaningful relationships with families to understand their dynamics and support their unique needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in human services or a field related to human service. Or

• A bachelor's degree unrelated to Human Services and either:

• One year of Human Services related experience. Or

• Completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency, or

• An associate degree and either:

• Two years of Human Services related experience. Or

• One year of Human Services related experience and related training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Demonstrates a high level of comfort in collaborating with others to make decisions, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered, and the best possible outcomes are achieved for children and families.

• Experience in building collaborative relationships with community partners, agency staff, clients, and affected communities.

• Experience conducting professional communications, both verbally and in writing, including case plans, court reports, assessments, and other related documents.

• Experience working with diverse populations and implementing trauma-informed practices that address individual needs, prioritize safety, build trust, and ensure cultural sensitivity.

• Experience with case management systems, document management software, and electronic communication tools.

Attention all candidates!

• A cover letter is required. Application materials are screened for minimum qualifications and essential attributes to determine if you advance in the selection process. Clearly describe how you meet these requirements in your application materials.

• Your application materials are used to determine your starting salary range. Please ensure that all education and experience you would like considered is included in your application materials.

• Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. You can attach multiple files in this area at once.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: 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

• Work will be conducted in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites.

• Work may be conducted in living conditions that are unsanitary or contain safety hazards.

• Occasional travel is required for attending meetings, trainings, transporting children and adults, and conducting other case related activities.

• Occasional overnight travel may be required.

• Employee's work schedule will be Monday- Friday from 8 am- 5 pm PT; hours may fluctuate based on service needs.

• Occasional, compensated overtime may be required, including evening and weekend work.

• Employee will be on a rotating on-call, including evening or weekend work.

• Attend and testify at court hearings, regarding child welfare cases, representing the agency.

• Address sensitive issues related to trauma, abuse, substance use, and crises.

• Engage with a diverse range of individuals, including those who have experienced trauma and may face challenges with emotional regulation.

• Activities include traversing stairs, moving on uneven terrain, and helping children (weighing up to 50 pounds) in and out of car seats.

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.

• Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint-based criminal records check.

• 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

Please contact the recruiter for:

• Accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

• Application or Job-specific questions.

Please include the job requisition number: REQ-177492.

• Recruiter: Nadja Rue

• Email: Nadja.Rue2@odhs.oregon.gov