Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

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

Benefits offered by this job

ODHS Employee Resource Groups

Cost of Living Adjustments

Salary increases

Benefits package

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Veterans and National Guard preference

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services is hiring a Permanency Worker to engage with families, assess safety and well-being of children, and support transitions toward safety and stability.

You will coordinate services, coach families, and collaborate with schools and service providers to promote permanency and child well-being. This full-time role requires adherence to state policies and strong trauma-informed practice.

Qualifications

• Experience managing workload with consistent follow-through.
• Experience reviewing work for completeness, accuracy, and alignment with policy.
• Experience engaging children and families to support safety, stability, and well‑being.
• Experience applying critical thinking to analyze issues and develop solutions.

Responsibilities

• 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 accurate case records, including assessments, plans, and required documentation within timelines.
• Prepare reports, make recommendations, participate in court hearings and review boards.
• Collaborate with caregivers, schools, service providers, and DHS partners to support child stability and permanency.

Skills

Time management

Attention to detail

Child welfare engagement

Critical thinking

Collaborative teamwork

Trauma-informed care

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services

Equivalent coursework competency

Associate degree + experience

Job description

Initial Posting Date: 11/04/2026 Application Deadline: 11/19/2026 Agency: Department of Human Services Salary Range: 4954.00-7592.00 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Permanency Worker (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! Help shape brighter, more secure futures for children in Oregon. As a Permanency Worker, you will engage with families and build meaningful connections that deepen your understanding of their strengths, individuality, and needs, supporting them as they move toward safety and stability.

Summary of Duties

• 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 accurate case records, including assessments, plans, and required documentation within timelines.
• Prepare reports, make recommendations, participate 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.
• 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.

Essential Attributes

• Experience managing workload with consistent follow-through.
• Experience reviewing work for completeness, accuracy, and alignment with policy.
• Experience engaging children and families to support safety, stability, and well‑being.
• Experience applying critical thinking to analyze issues and develop solutions.
• Experience of collaborating with service providers, community partners, and internal teams.
• Experience communicating with respect, cultural awareness, and trauma‑informed practices.

Work 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 participate 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 encounter situations requiring quick decision‑making to ensure your safety or the safety of others. Activities may include traversing stairs, moving across uneven terrain, and assisting children (up to 50 pounds) in and out of car seats.

Background Checks and Requirements

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

Please include the job requisition number: REQ-204929.

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.”