Case Aid (Social Service Assistant)

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 working with a team that is committed to serving children, families, and communities. Each day you have a unique opportunity to be involved with several different cases, interact with a wide range of people, and enjoy a position where each day is unique. If you're looking for interesting workdays and a chance to make a difference, this Case Aide position may be for you!

Summary of Duties

As a Case Aid, you will:

• Assist caseworkers with administrative tasks including completing documentation and scheduling appoints for families.

• Collect and enter information from collateral contacts into the agency’s electronic system.

• Supervise initial foster care visits and coordinate transportation and family visitations.

• Help locate relatives for parent searches, placements, or safety service roles.

• Support caseworkers with home visits, client communication, transportation, and ensure timely medical and mental health assessments for children in care.

• Work with community partners to connect children and families to resources and maintain an updated spreadsheet of services.

• Participate in case-related meetings, staffing sessions, and conferences to support casework.

• Assist with risk and safety assessments and help children transition into temporary placements.

Minimum Qualifications

• One year of experience assisting professionals in one or more specialized social programs such as family services, children services, senior services, mental or developmental disability services, substance abuse programs, juvenile corrections programs, or occupational skills programs. Or

• Possession of a current certification in child development, early childhood education, addiction counseling preparation or juvenile corrections. Or

• 45 quarter hours, or 30 semester hours of college course work in sociology, psychology, early childhood education, criminal justice, human services, juvenile corrections, or occupational skills training. Or

• An associate degree in a field not closely related to social work/human services; and six months of human services-related experience (e.g., work providing assistance to individuals and groups with issues such as economically disadvantaged, employment, abuse and neglect, substance abuse, aging, mental or physical disabilities, juvenile prevention, health, cultural competencies, and/or inadequate housing).

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience collaborating with caseworkers, resource parents, and team members asking questions and taking initiative to complete tasks.

• Experience providing courteous, prompt, and professional customer service to clients, families, and caseworkers with a positive approach.

• Experience adjusting priorities, responding to changing needs, and working effectively in a dynamic environment.

• Experience maintaining accurate records, navigating systems efficiently, and organizing documentation and information.

• Experience identifying solutions, improving workflows, and applying strategies to enhance processes.

Working Conditions

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

• Frequent travel is required for case activities, transporting clients, and attending trainings or meetings as needed.

• 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-181413.

• Recruiter: Amanda Alvarado.

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

• Phone (call or text): 541-709-8695.