Job Description

Initial Posting Date:
11/18/2025
Application Deadline:
12/02/2025
Agency:
Department of Human Services
Salary Range:
$4,833 - $7,407
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Permanency Caseworker (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 Permanency Worker position 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 Oregon's 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 crucial part in helping families achieve their goals while ensuring the safety and well-being of children. Engage and build rapport with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers to foster safety, permanency, and positive outcomes for Oregon's families. Design and implement strategies that capitalize on family strengths and address areas needing improvement. Conduct home visits, perform risk and safety assessments, attend court hearings, and collaborate with families to create and execute comprehensive case plans. Navigate legal requirements to balance the needs of children and families effectively. Deliver culturally appropriate services that honor diversity in culture, language, national origin, socioeconomic status, race, age, disability, developmental stage, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other aspects of diversity. Carrying cases for adults in custody through the local prison. Carrying courtesy cases either adult or children.

Minimum QualificationsA bachelor's degree in human services or a field related to human service,

ORA 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,


ORAn 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 providing services and resources to children and families while working or volunteering in a social services-related field. Experience conducting work that requires attention to detail, time management, and organization. Experience working with diverse populations, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity. Experience navigating and learning technology and various computer systems. Knowledge of disproportionality in communities and experience committing to conducting work in an equitable, anti-racist, accessible, and trauma-informed manner. Experience formulating documents or reports that include a conclusion and recommended action (examples: case plans, court reports, investigative reports), and demonstrated experience writing clearly and concisely with minimal spelling or grammar issues.

Application instructions & requirements
Your work history profile, cover letter, and resume are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and demonstrate your skills, lived and/or work experience that shows you are an excellent candidate for the position. Please upload a resume or complete the work history profile. 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. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.*
Current State of Oregon employees: Apply via your employee Workday account. If you are not a current State of Oregon employee, view this application instructional video. After you submit your application, you will have additional tasks to complete in Workday. Please continue to check your Workday account throughout the recruitment process. 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 ConditionsYour work will be conducted in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites. Occasional travel is required for attending meetings, trainings, and other case related activities. This position requires occasional overnight travel. 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. Mandatory on-call monthly. You may interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions. You may encounter stressful situations that will require quick decision-making skills.

Background Checks and RequirementsIf 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.

BenefitsODHS 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 InformationThis is a permanent, part-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.The recruiter for this position is Amy Acree. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number. * Email: amy.acree@odhs.oregon.gov