Initial Posting Date:
10/30/2025
Application Deadline:
11/13/2025
Agency:
Department of Human Services
Salary Range:
$4,833 - $7,407
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
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.
You do not need to be bilingual to apply or be considered for this position. If you are bilingual, we encourage you to apply! We serve diverse communities and recognize the importance of serving people in their preferred language.
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!
***Join us for an Information Session that will cover what all is entailed in the job and meet the Manager and Recruiter. We will also give an overview of filling out State applications and ODHS Benefits.
Time: Thursday, November 6th 12noon-12:30pm
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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 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 services;
OR
- A bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services AND either
1.) One year of Human Services related experience;
2.) Completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency;
OR
- An associate degree and either:
1.) Two years of Human Services related experience; OR
2.)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.
Preference will be given to candidates that are bilingual in Spanish and English.
Attention all candidates! A cover letter is required. Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history.
- 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 you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is listed as a minimum qualification for the position, please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process. 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.
- The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.
Working Conditions
- Your work schedule will be Monday- Friday 8:00am-5:00pm
- Your 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.
- 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 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.
Benefits
Employment Preference
Veterans’ preference:
Malheur County preference:
- If your primary residence is in Malheur County, you may choose to receive 5 percent preference points. The application process includes a required question where you can indicate if you’d like to receive preference or not.
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 Cris Jansen. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-XXXXX.
- Email: Crista.jansen@odhs.oregon.gov
- Phone (call or text): 503-826-6988