Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist) Dallas - Bilingual Spanish Required

State of Oregon; Dallas (TX); 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

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services in Dallas is seeking a Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist) to support families, perform case management, and implement trauma-informed strategies in a bilingual English/Spanish context.

Qualified candidates hold a Bachelor’s in Human Services or related field (or an equivalent combination) and pass speaking/writing tests; a 5% bilingual differential pay applies after successful testing. Competitive salary and benefits apply.

Qualifications

• Bilingual English/Spanish required; speaking and writing tests will be administered.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices and child safety considerations.
• Experience in case management and collaboration with community partners.

Responsibilities

• Support Families: Help families achieve goals while ensuring child safety.
• Case Management: Collaborate with diverse families, partners, and Spanish-speaking communities.
• Engage Effectively: Interact with children, families, caregivers with trauma-informed and antiracist approach.
• Develop Strategies: Create plans leveraging family strengths with areas for improvement.
• Handle Documentation and Legal Duties: Conduct home visits, complete legal docs, attend hearings.
• Balance Needs and Legal Requirements: Align child/family needs with legal obligations.
• Build Rapport: Develop meaningful relationships with families.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Trauma-informed approach

Education

Bachelor's in Human Services or related field

Bachelor's degree unrelated with 1 year of Human Services experience or equivalent coursework

Associate degree with two years of Human Services related experience

Job description

Job Details

Position Title: Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist)

Location: Dallas

Bilingual Requirement: Spanish

Salary Range: $4,954 - $7,592

Position Type: Employee Position

Application Deadline: 10/25/2026

Agency: Department of Human Services

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.

Below is an overview of the role requirements and responsibilities:

Bilingual requirement English/ Spanish. To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in English & Spanish. The job offer is contingent upon passing speaking and writing tests evaluating your proficiency. Upon passing, you will receive a 5% bilingual differential pay.

Summary of Duties

• Support Families: Play a critical role in helping families achieve their goals while ensuring child safety.
• Case Management: Work with diverse families, collaborating with community partners, Tribal entities, and Spanish speaking communities.
• Engage Effectively: Interact with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers using a trauma-informed and antiracist approach to achieve safety and optimal outcomes.
• Develop Strategies: Create and implement strategies that leverage family strengths and address areas needing improvement.
• Handle Documentation and Legal Duties: Conduct home visits, complete legal documentation, attend court hearings, and address child safety issues.
• Balance Needs and Legal Requirements: Ensure a balance between the needs of the child and family while adhering to legal requirements.
• Build Rapport: Establish meaningful relationships with families to understand their dynamics and support their unique needs.

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.

Essential Attributes

• Knowledge of child development, crisis intervention, conflict resolution, behavior management and trauma impact.
• Experience using critical thinking skills to make quick decisions while maintaining a professional and collaborative posture.
• Experience articulating observations and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Experience mentoring and engaging with families to identify and implement strategies for successful client engagement.

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 information.
• How to submit your Veteran documents for preference.
• Please do not attach your Veterans’ preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application.

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.

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

Recruiter for this position is Greg Azure. Contact via email: [e-mail] or phone (call or text): 503-509-6443.

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.”