Permanency Workers (Social Service Specialist 1)
Permanency Workers (Social Service Specialist 1)
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Job Alert
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$ 4833 - 7407
1 Vacancy
Job Description
Initial Posting Date:
06/18/2025Application Deadline:
06/29/2025Agency:
Department of Human ServicesSalary Range:
$4833.00 - $7407.00Position Type:
EmployeePosition Title:
Permanency Workers (Social Service Specialist 1)Job Description:
The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by ourEquity North Starand our vision for a positiveRiSE organizational culturethat 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!
Step into a transformative role where your passion for the well-being of children and your ability to connect with families come together to create lasting change. Become a catalyst for positive impact in the lives of Oregons children and their loved ones. Are you ready to unlock the potential within every familyand make a real difference
We are currently seeking TWO (2) Permanency Workers (Social Service Specialist 1) to join our Child Welfare team one based in our Pendleton office and one based in our Hermiston office.
Summary of Duties
As an employee working within the Child Welfare Program you will have an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Oregons most vulnerable children and families. Your dedication will help us achieve the Child Welfare Vision for Transformation that will support children and young adults to be safer healthier experience less trauma and achieve a greater well-being.
As a Permanency Worker you will:
Support families by playing a critical role in helping families achieve their goals while ensuring child safety.
Provide case management by working with diverse families including American Indian/Alaskan Native communities collaborating with tribal entities and community partners.
Engage effectively by interacting with children families resource parents and caregivers using a trauma-informed and antiracist approach to achieve safety and optimal outcomes.
Developing strategies by creating and implementing strategies that leverage family strengths and address areas needing improvement.
Handling documentation and legal duties by conducting home visits completing legal documentation attending court hearings and addressing child safety issues.
Balancing needs and legal requirements by ensuring a balance between the needs of the child and family while adhering to legal requirements.
Building rapport by establishing meaningful relationships with families to understand their dynamics and supporting their unique needs.
Per pursuant to ORS 419B.021 states that any position engaged in child protective investigations and/or custody determinations must meet the educational requirements. Experience alone will not meet the minimum qualifications for those positions. Degree must be completed not in progress.
Interested in learning more Here are some testimonials from current ODHS Workers.
Minimum Qualifications
A valid drivers license and acceptable driving record are required for this position. And
A bachelors degree in Human Services or a field related to human service or;
A bachelors degree unrelated to Human Services and either:
1. One year of Human Services related experience or;
2. Completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency or;
An associate degree and either:
1. Two years of Human Services related experience or;
2. One year of Human Services related experience and related training coursework or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
Degree must be completed not in progress. Experience alone will not meet the minimum qualifications for those positions.
Essential Attributes
We are looking for candidates with:
Extensive experience assessing child safety and the protective capacities of parents and caregivers with a strong ability to develop effective case plans prioritize child welfare concerns and respond promptly to emergent situations.
Experience engaging and building partnerships with clients (parents & children) community organizations agency staff and affected communities.
Experience organizing tasks prioritizing responsibilities and managing time to meet deadlines.
Computer proficiency knowledge of programs including Microsoft programs Outlook Word Excel and OR-Kids.
Demonstrated proficient verbal and written communication skills including the ability to write in plain language and communicate clearly.
Experience preparing and maintaining thorough records such as reports narratives and observations.
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 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
This is an in-person position. The duties in this position include working with challenging and sometimes hostile clients working with Law Enforcement Agencies in sometimes unsafe and unsanitary home environments.
Work requires the ability to prioritize work related to child safety and respond quickly to emergent situations.
Your work will be conducted in offices participants homes and other community sites.
Employees work schedule will be Monday - Friday; hours may fluctuate based on service compensated overtime during evening and weekend work may be required.
This position will be required to participate in an on-call rotation for mandatory on call for child protective services.
Frequent travel is required. Some travel may be hours away. Some travel may be in hazardous weather conditions.
You may interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions.
This role involves handling sensitive topics related to trauma abuse and crises requiring a trauma-informed approach that is essential to ensure a safe environment.
Per pursuant to ORS 419B.021 states that any position engaged in child protective investigations and/or custody determinations must meet the educational requirements. Experience alone will not meet the minimum qualifications for those positions. Degree must be completed not in progress.
Background Checks and Requirements
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 Securitys 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.
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.
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:
General Information
This is a permanent full-time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying the salary range will reflect an additional 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. Please include the REQ# when corresponding.
Phone (call or text):
Come for a job. Stay for a career. Make a difference... for a lifetime!
Required Experience:
Unclear Seniority
Employment Type
Full-Time
