Permanency Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1

Oregon Department of Human Services; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ODHS Employee Resource Group

Cost of Living Adjustments

Annual salary increases

Amazing benefits package

Public Service Loan ForgivenessProgram

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking a Permanency Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1) in Portland to help protect children and strengthen families. This role involves case management, trauma-informed engagement, and collaboration with diverse communities to achieve safe, stable outcomes for children and their caregivers.

Applicants must meet Oregon qualifications, hold a completed degree in Human Services or related field, and be prepared for a demanding but rewarding career

Qualifications

• Degree must be completed, not in progress.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record required.
• Per ORS 419B.021, educational requirements apply for certain positions.
• Experience alone will not meet minimum qualifications for child protective investigations or custody determinations.

Responsibilities

• Provide case management for families while ensuring child safety.
• Engage with diverse communities including American Indian/Alaskan Native communities.
• Communicate effectively with children, families, and caregivers using a trauma-informed approach.
• Develop strategies leveraging family strengths and addressing areas needing improvement.
• Complete legal documentation, attend court hearings, and conduct home visits.

Skills

Trauma-informed approach

Written and verbal communication

Case management

Cultural responsiveness

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field

Associate Degree with 2+ years of Human Services experience or related training

Certification or coursework equivalent to Oregon Caseworker Competency

Tools

Microsoft Word

Database software

Job description

Position Title

Permanency Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1)

Initial Posting Date

10/22/2026

Application Deadline

10/29/2026

Agency

Department of Human Services

Salary Range

$4,954.00 - $7,592.00 USD Monthly

Position Type

Employee

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.

Step into a transformative role where your passion for the well-being of children and your ability to connect with families come together to create lasting change. Become a catalyst for positive impact in the lives of Oregon’s children and their loved ones. Are you ready to unlock the potential within every family—and make a real difference?

We are currently seeking a Permanency Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1) to join our team based at the Midtown Office. Please note the following information regarding work location:

Location

• The permanent assigned location for the Midtown Office is 815 NE Davis Street in Portland.
• This building is currently inaccessible and is expected to remain unavailable for several months.
• Until the permanent site reopens, all Midtown staff, including this position, will report to the temporary Midtown location at 6035 NE 78th Court in Portland.

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

• Support families by playing a critical role in helping families achieve their goals while ensuring child safety.
• Provide case management by working with diverse families, including American Indian/Alaskan Native communities, collaborating with tribal entities and community partners.
• Engage effectively by interacting with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers using a trauma-informed and antiracist approach to achieve safety and optimal outcomes.
• Developing strategies by creating and implementing strategies that leverage family strengths and address areas needing improvement.
• Handling documentation and legal duties by conducting home visits, completing legal documentation, attending court hearings, and addressing child safety issues.
• Balancing needs and legal requirements by ensuring a balance between the needs of the child and family while adhering to legal requirements.
• Building rapport by establishing meaningful relationships with families to understand their dynamics and supporting their unique needs.

Minimum Qualifications

Per 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.

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

And

A bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a field related to Human Services; OR

• 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.

Competency.

Essential Attributes

• Experience screening and assessing clients’ needs to determine appropriate community and culturally responsive resources, as well as partnering agency programs or services.
• Experience preparing and maintaining thorough records, such as reports, narratives, and observations.
• Demonstrated understanding of working with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated experience to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. This includes experience in writing clearly and concisely using plain language appropriate for diverse audiences, conveying information with clarity, and tailoring communication style to suit different stakeholders.
• Experience organizing tasks, prioritizing responsibilities, and managing time to meet deadlines.
• Proficient in computer applications, including Microsoft Word or various database software programs.

Attention all candidates!

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. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
• 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.
• 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

• Your work will be conducted in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites.
• Employee’s work schedule will be Monday – Friday 8AM-5PM; hours may fluctuate based on service needs. Occasional compensated overtime during evening and weekend work may be required.
• On-call coverage is required after hours as needed, with occasional compensated overtime during evenings and weekends.
• Frequent travel is required. Some travel may be hours away. Some travel may be in hazardous weather conditions.
• You may interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions.
• This role involves handling sensitive topics related to trauma, abuse, and crises, requiring a trauma-informed approach that is essential to ensure a safe environment.

Background Checks And Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint-based criminal records check.
• Per 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.

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.

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).
• The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.
• 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 Sugei Hernandez. Please include the REQ# REQ-208540 when corresponding.
• Email: [e-mail]