Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

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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.

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 parent–child 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.

• 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 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.

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.

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 well‑being.

• 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 trauma‑informed practices.

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

• Frequent travel is required for transporting children or families and completing case‑related 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 on‑call 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 decision‑making 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

• Phone (call or text): 541-709-8695.