Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

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

Benefits offered by this job

ODHS Employee Resource Groups

Cost of Living Adjustments

Annual salary increases

Benefits package

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services seeks a Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) to safeguard and stabilize children and families in care. You will assess safety, coordinate services, and support transitions while maintaining thorough case records.

Join a dedicated ODHS team focused on equity, trauma‑informed practice, and collaboration with partners to promote permanency and well‑being for vulnerable Oregonians.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license required; education must be completed.
• Bachelor’s in human services or related field is required.
• Alternative combos acceptable per Oregon Caseworker Competency requirements.

Responsibilities

• Monitor safety, wellbeing, and development of children in care; support transitions such as returning home or adoption.
• Maintain accurate case records and required documentation.
• Facilitate and observe parent–child visits; provide coaching and transportation arrangements.
• Maintain regular contact with families and partners; update safety and service plans.
• Coordinate services, make referrals, and track progress for children and families.
• Prepare reports and participate in court hearings and review boards.
• Collaborate with caregivers, schools, and ODHS partners to support child stability and permanency.

Skills

Valid driver’s license

Safety assessment

Cultural responsiveness

Teamwork & independence

Crisis intervention

Documentation & reporting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field

Bachelor’s in non-human services with related experience

Associate degree with human services experience

Job description

Initial Posting Date: 11/02/2026 Application Deadline: 11/09/2026 Agency: Department of Human Services Salary Range: $4,954 - $7,592 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

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.

The mission of Oregon's Child Welfare Program is to ensure every child and family is empowered to live a safe, stable and healthy life. We are part of a larger statewide social system that works to support children, families and communities. We partner with Tribal nations to implement the Oregon Indian Child Welfare Act and honor our government-to-government relationship. Child Welfare focuses on keeping families together whenever it is safe to do so.

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.

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!

Summary of Duties

• Monitor and assess safety, well-being, and development of children in care, and support transitions such as returning home or adoption.


• Keep accurate case records, including assessments, plans, and required documentation.


• 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.


• Prepare reports, make recommendations, participate in court hearings and review boards.


• Collaborate with caregivers, schools, service providers, and ODHS partners to support child stability and permanency.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Essential Attributes

• Experience assessing and identifying client needs; connecting individuals and families to appropriate services and resources through culturally responsive support; and effectively collaborating with cross-system partners and community organizations to promote client stability and continuity of care


• Demonstrated ability to work within a team as well as individually.


• Experience working with and supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those that may be experiencing mental health challenges, trauma or substance use issues.


• Experience applying crisis intervention and conflict resolution techniques to support individuals and families experiencing emotional distress, ensuring safety and stability while maintaining professionalism and empathy.


• Experience preparing detailed narrative documentation and court reports for individual client cases, including case activities, client interactions, and other pertinent observations for judicial proceedings.


• Experience delivering communication by phone, in writing, using a computer and in face‑to‑face interactions with individuals of varying learning styles and needs.


• Experience organizing tasks, prioritizing responsibilities, and managing time to meet deadlines.

Working Conditions

You will work in ODHS offices, homes of participants, and community sites. Your regular work schedule will be Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Your hours of work will fluctuate on a daily and weekly basis to meet service needs. This may include some evening and weekend work and compensation overtime. On-Call: You may be included in a rotating evening and weekend on-call schedule. Travel: Occasional travel for meetings, training, and other case-related activities. This includes required occasional overnight travel.

Physical Requirements: Frequent physical activity, including lifting up to 50 pounds and assisting children with car seats. 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. You may interact with individuals who have experienced trauma and may have difficulty managing their emotions. Be prepared for stressful situations that require quick decision-making to ensure safety for yourself and others.

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. Driver Record Screening: As part of the pre-employment background check, applicants may be asked to complete a driving record review. A driving record that does not meet agency standards will not, by itself, disqualify an applicant from employment when driving is not an essential function of the position.

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.

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.”