Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

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 Teen Permanency Worker position may be for you!

Summary of Duties

As a Permanency Worker, you will:

• Monitor and assess the safety, well-being, and development of children in care, including facilitating transitions like return home or adoption.

• Observe and facilitate parent-child visitations, providing feedback and counseling as needed, and arrange transportation for visits.

• Maintain regular contact with parents and families, developing treatment plans and safety plans in collaboration with service providers, schools, attorneys, and other partners.

• Coordinate case management services for parents and children, ensuring progress through referrals and ongoing support.

• Maintain accurate and complete case records, including documentation of family history, court reports, and treatment plans.

• Attend and testify in court hearings, prepare reports, make recommendations, and participate in Citizens' Review Board reviews.

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:

• Experience managing tasks using organization and time management, adjusting to changing situations and deadlines.

• Experience having sensitive conversations with care, keeping family’s needs in mind.

• Experience assessing information to make informed decisions and guide actions.

• Experience calming tense situations and resolving conflicts in various interactions.

• Experience using verbal and written communication, ensuring information is clear, direct, and unbiased.

Working Conditions

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

• Occasional travel is required for attending meetings, trainings, transporting children and families, and conducting case 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.

• May work with individuals experiencing trauma or crisis. Some individuals may have challenges managing their emotions.

• May encounter situations requiring quick decision-making to ensure the safety of oneself or others.

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

Attention all candidates!

• 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.

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), and application or Job-specific questions.

Please include the job requisition number: REQ-182210.

• Recruiter: Amanda Alvarado.

• Email: AMANDA.K.ALVARADO@odhs.oregon.gov

• Phone (call or text): 541-709-8695