Permanency Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1

State of Oregon; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services seeks a Permanency Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1) to join the Child Welfare Program in Portland. You will conduct assessments, provide case management, and collaborate with diverse families, tribal entities, and community partners to promote child safety and well-being.

This permanent, full-time role supports equity and transformative practice. A bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field is required, with occasional travel and

Qualifications

• Experience screening and assessing clients’ needs to determine appropriate resources and planned services.
• Experience preparing and maintaining thorough records, such as reports, narratives, and observations.
• Demonstrated understanding of working with diverse populations.
• Strong written and verbal communication tailored to diverse audiences.
• Ability to organize tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and meet deadlines.
• Proficient in MS Word and database software.

Responsibilities

• Provide case management for families to promote child safety and well-being.
• Collaborate with tribal entities and community partners.
• Engage with children, families, and caregivers using trauma-informed approaches.
• Develop strategies leveraging family strengths for positive outcomes.
• Conduct home visits, complete legal documentation, and participate in court hearings.
• Balance child/family needs with legal requirements while ensuring safety.

Skills

Client assessment

Record keeping

Diversity & equity

Clear communication

Time management

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Database software

Job description

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 Position Title: Permanency 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! 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: 1. The permanent assigned location for the Midtown Office is 815 NE Davis Street in Portland. 2. This building is currently inaccessible and is expected to remain unavailable for several months. 3. 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.

• 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.

• 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 A bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services and either: 1) One year of Human Services related experience; OR 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 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.

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.
• Employment Preference Veterans’ preference: Veterans’ preference information.

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]

Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative. We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon “flies with her own wings.”