Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

Initial Posting Date:

06/25/2025

Application Deadline:

07/09/2025

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

4,833 - 7,407

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

Job Description:

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.  If you’re looking to make a difference and this sounds intriguing, these Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) positions 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 critical role in helping families achieve their goals while cohesively ensuring the safety of children.

• Engage with children, families, resource parents and caregivers in a multitude of ways to achieve the safety, permanency and optimal outcomes for Oregon’s children and families.  All engagement will be conducted through a trauma-informed and antiracist lens.

• Develop and implement multifaceted strategies that build on family strengths and address areas of improvement.

• Conduct home visits, write reports, attend court hearings, and problem-solve minor crises to major child safety issues. 

• Play an imperative role in balancing the needs of the child and the family in conjunction with legal requirements. 

• Have a unique opportunity to build rapport with families, understand their uniqueness, and learn more about how each family functions. 

Minimum Qualifications

A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.

• 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 presenting complex information to clients, co-workers, law enforcement and in court in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing.

• Demonstrated ability establishing and maintaining professional working relationships that engage and empower families. 

• Experience using trauma informed practices that are inclusive of the child and the family’s language, race and culture. 

• Demonstrated ability to learn and utilize Microsoft office, to include accurate data entry.

Attention all candidates!

• 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. If selected as the top candidate for this position, and education is a requirement in the minimum qualifications, please be prepared to provide verification of your college/university degree with month/year of completion for further consideration. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.

• 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 Conditions

• 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.

• Occasional overnight travel may be required.

• 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. 

• Employee could be on a rotating on-call schedule dependent on business needs. 

• In this role, you will encounter sensitive material related to trauma, abuse, substance use, and crisis situations.  Our team prioritizes a trauma-informed approach, creating a safe environment for both clients and staff. 

• You will interact with a diverse range of individuals, including those who have experienced trauma and may struggle with emotional regulation.  This position may involve handling stressful situations that demand rapid decision-making skills. 

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. 

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

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 Rochelle Peters. Choose an item. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number.

• Email: Rochelle.m.peters@odhs.oregon.gov Choose an item.

• Phone (call or text): 971-240-8726.