Generalist Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1)

State of Oregon; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 59,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking a Generalist Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1) to safeguard children and support families in the Salem area.

In this role you will gather information, develop safety and service plans, and document thoroughly. You will work with families, schools, and DHS partners, and may testify in court as needed.

Qualifications

• A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field.
• Alternative: non-HS degree + 1 year HS related experience.
• Associate degree with 2 years HS related experience.
• Experience working independently and in a team.
• Strong time-management and documentation skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Culturally responsive practices.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate safety and risk in child abuse or neglect cases.
• Create safety and service plans for families.
• Prepare case documentation, reports, safety plans, and notes.
• Engage in child-safety meetings with partners.
• Testify in court hearings and initiate court action when needed.
• Monitor safety, well-being, and development of children in care.
• Coordinate services, make referrals, and track progress for children and families.
• Keep correct case records and required documentation.
• Collaborate with caregivers, schools, service providers, and DHS partners.

Skills

Driver's license

Independent work

Time management

Documentation

MS Word

Excel

Cultural responsiveness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human services or related

Bachelor’s degree in non-human-services with related experience

Associate degree with related experience

Job description

Position Title

Generalist Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1)

Initial Posting Date

09/15/2026

Application Deadline

09/30/2026

Agency

Department of Human Services

Salary Range

$4,954 - $7,592

Position Type

Employee

Job Title

Generalist Caseworker (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! Every day, Generalist Caseworkers step into moments that matter most. In this role you will ensure the safety and well-being of Oregon's children, navigating difficult situations with dignity, respect, and support. If you’re seeking meaningful work that blends critical thinking, collaboration, and human connection, this work may be exactly what you’re looking for.

Summary Of Duties

• Gather information through interviews and home observations to evaluate safety and risk in child abuse or neglect cases, taking protective action when necessary.
• Create safety and service plans that reflect each family's needs and connect them with medical, mental health, parenting, and community resources.
• Prepare correct case documentation, including reports, assessments, safety plans, and notes.
• Engage in child‑safety meetings and collaborate effectively with families, professionals, and community partners.
• Testify in court hearings and initiate court action when needed.
• 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 correct case records, including assessments, plans, and required documentation.
• Prepare reports, make recommendations, and take part in court hearings and review boards.
• Collaborate with caregivers, schools, service providers, and DHS partners to support child stability and permanency.

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.

*Degree must be completed, not in progress.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience working independently and in a team to complete tasks and projects.
• Experience organizing work, managing time, and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines.
• Experience writing clear, complete, and concise documents with minimal errors.
• Experience using Microsoft Word and Excel to create, edit, and maintain documents or spreadsheets.
• Experience working with people from varied backgrounds using culturally responsive practices.

Working Conditions

• 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 take part 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 meet situations requiring quick decision‑making to ensure your safety or the safety of others.
• Activities may include traversing stairs, move across uneven terrain, and helping children (up to 50 pounds) in and out of car seats.

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’ And Oregon National Guard Preference

• 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.

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

Job requisition number: REQ-206450.

• Recruiter: Amanda Alvarado.
• Email: [e-mail]
• Phone (call or text): 541-709-8695.