Initial Posting Date:
10/21/2025Application Deadline:
10/28/2025Agency:
Department of Human ServicesSalary Range:
$4833 - $7407Position Type:
EmployeePosition 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 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!
Imagine having an opportunity to build rapport with families understand their uniqueness and learn about how each family functions. If youre looking to make a difference and this sounds intriguing these Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) positions may be for you!
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:
Play a critical role in helping families achieve their goals while cohesively ensuring the safety of children.
Engage with children families resource parents and caregivers in a multitude of ways to achieve the safety permanency and optimal outcomes for Oregons children and families. All engagement will be conducted through a trauma-informed and antiracist lens.
Develop and implement multifaceted strategies that build on family strengths and address areas of improvement.
Conduct home visits write reports attend court hearings and problem-solve minor crises to major child safety issues.
Play an imperative role in balancing the needs of the child and the family in conjunction with legal requirements.
Have a unique opportunity to build rapport with families understand their uniqueness and learn more about how each family functions.
Minimum Qualifications
A valid drivers license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.
A bachelors degree in human services or a field related to human service. Or
A bachelors 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:
Experience presenting complex information to clients co-workers law enforcement and in court in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing.
Demonstrated ability establishing and maintaining professional working relationships that engage and empower families.
Experience using trauma informed practices that are inclusive of the child and the familys language race and culture.
Demonstrated ability to learn and utilize Microsoft office to include accurate data entry.
Experience with case management (I.e. child and family services employment etc.)
Attention all candidates!
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. If selected as the top candidate for this position and education is a requirement in the minimum qualifications please be prepared to provide verification of your college/university degree with month/year of completion for further consideration. 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
Work will be conducted in offices participants homes and other community sites.
Occasional travel is required for attending meetings trainings and other case related activities.
Occasional overnight travel may be required.
Employee will work a professional work week; hours of work may fluctuate based on service needs. Occasional compensated overtime may be required including evening and weekend work.
Employee could be on a rotating on-call schedule dependent on business needs.
In this role you will encounter sensitive material related to trauma abuse substance use and crisis situations. Our team prioritizes a trauma-informed approach creating a safe environment for both clients and staff.
You will interact with a diverse range of individuals including those who have experienced trauma and may struggle with emotional regulation. This position may involve handling stressful situations that demand rapid decision-making skills.
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 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.
Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint-based criminal records check.
HB3187: The State of Oregon does not request or require your age date of birth attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.
A valid drivers 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:
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.
Required Experience:
IC
The Department of Administrative Services is the central administrative agency of Oregon’s Executive Branch. Our mission is to support state government to serve the people of Oregon. By providing reliable service, accurate information and creative solutions, we strive to set the ...