Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

State of Oregon; North Bend (OR); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Resource Groups

COLA adjustments

Annual salary increases

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking a Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) in North Bend. You will support child welfare through safety planning, permanency planning, and coordination with families, schools, and community partners.

Responsibilities include supervising visits, coordinating services, documenting cases, and participating in court reviews. This is a full‑time, on‑site role with regular travel and potential overtime as needed.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field (or equivalent).
• Experience in a helping profession or social services preferred.
• Ability to write clearly and concisely with good grammar.

Responsibilities

• Monitor safety, well-being, and development of children in substitute care and support transitions.
• Facilitate parent–child visits, provide coaching, arrange transportation.
• Collaborate with caregivers, families, schools and partners to develop case plans.
• Coordinate and monitor services to support family progress and needs.
• Maintain thorough case documentation and participate in hearings and reviews.

Skills

Communication

Empathy

Time management

Team collaboration

Microsoft Word & Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field

Bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services with one year Human Services experience or equivalent training

Associate degree with two years Human Services related experience

Job description

Initial Posting Date: 09/14/2026 Application Deadline: 09/28/2026 Agency: Department of Human Services Salary Range: $4,954 - $7,592 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! 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 seeking to fill this position in our North Bend Child Welfare office. North Bend is located on the southern Oregon Coast (not in Central Oregon). Understanding North Bend, Oregon: The city of North Bend is located along the beautiful southern Oregon coast. North Bend is home to the towering 500-foot sand dunes of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, historic McCullough Memorial Bridge, beautiful Horsfall Beach and plenty of quaint shops, antique stores and restaurants. Adventures of all kinds await in North Bend! North Bend on Travel Oregon - learn what North Bend has to offer! Find an ODHS office - understand where North Bend is located. Mileage and driving distance calculator – calculate your commute.

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:

• Monitor and assess safety, well-being, and development of children in substitute care, and support transitions such as returning home or adoption.
• Facilitate and observe parent–child visits, provide coaching, and arrange transportation.
• Collaborate with caregivers, parents, extended family, schools, and community partners to develop and implement individualized case plans that support child stability, safety, and permanency.
• Coordinate and monitor services such as visitation, medical care, mental health treatment, education, and placement to support family progress and meet each child’s unique needs.
• Develop trusting, professional relationships with families and resource parents by providing guidance, assessing progress, and maintaining clear communication, ensuring shared understanding of treatment needs and case plans to promote safety and stability for children.
• Prepare and maintain thorough case documentation in alignment with policy and law, and participate in court, Citizen Review Board reviews, safety meetings, and other case‑planning activities by providing clear communication, testimony, and recommendations.

Interested in learning more? Here are some testimonials from current ODHS Workers and an informational session regarding these positions: https://youtu.be/DghnA4oDx_Q

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 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.

Essential Attributes

• Experience working both independently and with a team.
• Experience utilizing time management, organization, and prioritization skills to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated experience writing clear, thoroughly, and concisely with minimal spelling or grammar issues.
• Experience working well with people from a wide variety of backgrounds through a culturally competent lens.
• Experience using Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Experience in a helping profession that has at least some social work focus or lens; examples include teaching, law enforcement, medical care, domestic violence advocacy, CASA volunteer, etc.

Working Conditions

Your work schedule will be Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Pacific Time, on‑site in North Bend, Oregon. Hours may fluctuate based on service needs. Remote work is not available. Your work may occasionally include compensated overtime, including evening and weekend hours, based on service needs. Your role involves regular travel, including long‑distance and occasional overnight travel. You may travel in hazardous weather conditions and to remote locations where reliable cell service may not be available. A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required. Your work will take place in a variety of settings, including offices, participants’ homes, and other community locations. Your work may include climbing stairs, walking on uneven terrain, and assisting children weighing up to 40 pounds in and out of car seats. After your first six months, you will participate in an on‑call rotation supporting Child Protective Services. Your work involves sensitive topics and situations related to trauma, abuse, and crisis. You may interact with people who have experienced trauma or who may have difficulty managing their emotions. Your ability to approach these interactions with empathy and a trauma‑informed perspective, remain calm during stressful situations, make timely decisions, and prioritize the safety of yourself and others is essential.

Background Checks and Requirements

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

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.

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.”