Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

oregon; Oregon City (OR); On-site; USD 59,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Cost of Living Adjustments

Annual salary increases

Excellent benefits package

SEIU representation

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking a Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) to join our Child Welfare team in the Clackamas office. You will help families access resources and work toward safer, healthier outcomes for Oregon’s children.

As a Permanency Caseworker, you will monitor safety, maintain records, coordinate services, and support transitions such as reunification or adoption.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or equivalent required for the position.
• Experience with cross-system collaboration and trauma-informed care is preferred.
• Ability to organize, document, and manage caseloads with accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Monitor safety, well-being and development of children and support transitions.
• Keep accurate case records and required documentation.
• 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, service providers and ODHS partners.

Skills

Client assessment

Cultural responsiveness

Team collaboration

Crisis intervention

Communication

Time management

Trauma-informed approach

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human services

Bachelor’s degree in related field (any field) with 1 year related experience

Associate degree with 2 years related experience

Coursework equivalent to Oregon Caseworker Competency

Job description

Initial Posting Date: 09/21/2026

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.

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! Dive in and discover more — watch our YouTube video to see how you can make a difference! ODHS | Child Welfare Permanency Caseworker

We are currently seeking a Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) to join our Child Welfare team and work in the Clackamas office.

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 Caseworker, you will:

• 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

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 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

We are looking for candidates with:

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

• The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification.
• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

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, though this is not currently required.

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