Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

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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!

Help shape brighter more secure futures for children in Oregon. As a Permanency Worker you will engage with families and build meaningful connections that deepen your understanding of their strengths individuality and needs supporting them as they move toward safety and stability.

Summary of Duties

As a Permanency Worker you will:

• Monitor and assess safety well-being and development of children in care and support transitions such as returning home or adoption.

• Facilitate and observe parentchild visits provide coaching and arrange transportation.

• Maintain regular contact with families and partners while developing and updating safety and service plans.

• Coordinate services make referrals and track progress for children and families.

• Keep accurate case records including assessments plans and required documentation within timelines.

• Prepare reports make recommendations participate in court hearings and review boards.

• Collaborate with caregivers schools service providers and DHS partners to support child stability and permanency.

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.

Pursuant toORS 419B.021states 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.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience managing workload with consistent follow-through.

• Experience reviewing work for completeness accuracy and alignment with policy.

• Experience engaging children and families to support safety stability and wellbeing.

• Experience applying critical thinking to analyze issues and develop solutions.

• Experience of collaborating with service providers community partners and internal teams.

• Experience communicating with respect cultural awareness and traumainformed practices.

Working Conditions

• Work will take place in offices participants homes and various community locations.

• Frequent travel is required for transporting children or families and completing caserelated activities.

• The work schedule is Monday to Friday 8 am to 5 pm PT with possible fluctuations based on service needs.

• There may be occasional requirements for compensated overtime including evening and weekend hours.

• The employee will participate in a rotating oncall schedule that includes evening and weekend work.

• You may interact with individuals experiencing trauma or emotional distress and there may be times when individuals have difficulty managing their emotional responses.

• You may encounter situations requiring quick decisionmaking to ensure your safety or the safety of others.

• Activities may include traversing stairs moving across uneven terrain and assisting children (up to 50 pounds) in and out of car seats.

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.

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

• 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. If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is listed as a minimum qualification for the position please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process.

• 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.

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.

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 and Oregon National Guard preference:

• Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information please visit Veterans Resources.

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) and application or Job-specific questions.

Please include the job requisition number: REQ-204929.

• Recruiter: Amanda Alvarado.

• Email:

• Phone (call or text): .