Temporary Lodging SSA (Social Services Assistant) Temporary – Multiple Vacancies

State of Oregon; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 46,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ODHS Employee Resource Group

Cost of Living Adjustments

Annual salary increases

Amazing benefits package

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

State of Oregon in Salem is seeking a Temporary Lodging SSA (Social Services Assistant) to support the Child Welfare Program. The role involves staying with and supervising children in temporary lodging and transporting them to appointments and other needs, as directed by the caseworker.

You will work with a dedicated team to ensure child safety, document activities, and respond to concerns with patience, empathy, and professional boundaries, across various community settings in Oregon.

Qualifications

• One year of experience in a human services or behavioral health setting or an associate degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Stay with and supervise children in temporary lodging; transport as needed.
• Support in-home safety and supervision plans; document and report concerns.
• Address inappropriate behavior using parenting techniques while honoring cultural standards.
• Review safety plans and support children's hygiene, attendance, and transportation.

Skills

Empathy & patience

Communication

Team collaboration

Trauma-informed approach

Education

Associate degree

Equivalent education/experience

Job description

Job Details

Initial Posting Date: 10/21/2026 Application Deadline: 11/04/2026 Agency: Department of Human Services Salary Range: $4,124 - $5,714 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Temporary Lodging SSA (Social Services Assistant) Temporary – Multiple Vacancies

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. This is a temporary position and is approved through 06/30/2027. Temporary positions will end approximately 6 months after the employment start date (after 1,040 hours have been worked). Opportunity awaits! Are you passionate about engaging with families and communities? Are you committed to ensuring the well‑being of others and offering them support? Would you enjoy working with a team that is dedicated to serving children, families, and communities? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

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.
• Stay with and supervise children throughout the day in temporary lodging and transport them to different destinations as needed.
• Transport children as needed for appointments, school, or any other needs as directed by caseworker, supervisor.
• Transportation may include inter- or intrastate as well as medical/dental appointments.
• Address inappropriate behavior by applying general parenting techniques while honoring ethnic, and cultural standards according to policy.
• When not in temporary lodging you will support in‑home safety plans by providing detailed documentation, support, engagement, and promptly reporting any concerns.
• Review and implement supervisory and safety plans, while also supporting their behavior and emotional needs.
• Maintain care for children related to hygiene, basic needs, school attendance, appointments, and transportation.
• Treat people with compassion and dignity, ensuring that children and family members feel respected and valued.

Minimum Qualifications

• One year of experience working in a human services or behavioral health setting; OR
• An associate degree in any field; OR
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Essential Attributes

• Experience remaining patient, composed, and professional when responding to challenging situations, individuals, or competing priorities, while maintaining respectful and equitable interactions.
• Experience recognizing how trauma and challenging life experiences may affect individuals and respond with patience, empathy, respect, and appropriate professional boundaries.
• Experience communicating clearly, professionally, and respectfully through written and verbal communication, adapting communication to the audience and situation.
• Experience identifying solutions to challenges by assessing available information, considering options, and taking appropriate action to achieve positive outcomes.

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 temporary, 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.

Working Conditions

• Work Schedule: There is no typical normal workday of 8 hours, from 8AM to 5PM. Working hours are often adjusted within a given week. Occasional, compensated overtime may be required, including evening and weekend work.
• Work will be conducted in offices, participant's homes, hotels, hospitals, and other community sites.
• Occasional travel is required for meetings, training, and case‑related activities.
• You will interact with a wide range of people, including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions.
• You may encounter stressful situations that require quick decision‑making to ensure safety of yourself and others.
• Activities include traversing stairs, moving on uneven terrain, and helping children (weighing up to 50pounds) in and out of car seats.

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.

Other Information

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.”