Permanency Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1

State of Oregon; Salem (OR); Sur place; USD 55 000 - 85 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

State of Oregon's Department of Human Services seeks a Permanency Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1) to support families and safeguard children. This role is based at the Midtown Office in Portland, with duties spanning case management, court involvement, and collaboration with tribal and community partners.

You will work within the Child Welfare Program, engaging with diverse families, documenting cases, ensuring safety and equity, and advancing the agency’s vision for transformation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field completed.
• One year of Human Services related experience or equivalent coursework/certification.
• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record required.

Responsabilités

• Support families by helping them achieve goals while ensuring child safety.
• Provide case management with diverse families, including tribal partnerships.
• Engage with children, families, resource parents using trauma-informed approaches.
• Develop strategies leveraging family strengths to address needs.
• Handle documentation, home visits, court hearings, and legal duties.
• Balance needs of child and family with legal requirements.
• Build rapport and maintain meaningful relationships with families.

Connaissances

Valid driver's license

Formation

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field

Associate degree alternative pathway with related experience

Description du poste

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.

Opportunity awaits!

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:

• 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