Legal Finalization Worker | Social Service Specialist 1
About The Position
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 meaningful role where you help children move from uncertainty to stability and permanency. As a Legal Finalization Worker, you’ll play a vital part in guiding families through the final steps of adoption and guardianship—moments that change lives forever. We are seeking a Legal Finalization Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) to join our Child Welfare team in either the Baker City or La Grande office. The assigned duty station will be determined based on the selected candidate’s home location. This role supports District 13, serving Baker, Union, and Wallowa counties. 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.
Requirements
- 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.
- A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.
- Degree must be completed, not in progress.
- Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated and manage your time well.
- Demonstrated ability to use trauma-informed practices that are sensitive to the child and family’s lived experience, language, race, and culture.
- Demonstrated excellent written communication skills, including the ability to write in plain language with minimal spelling and grammar issues.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively engage with families under challenging and time-sensitive circumstances.
- Experienced being a reliable resource for others and delivering high-quality work in a timely manner.
- Demonstrated ability to be an active listener and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others.
- 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.
Nice To Haves
- Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint-based criminal records check.
Responsibilities
- Support offices in the district, working in Baker, Union and Wallowa Counties.
- Finalize guardianship and adoption cases once court approval or parental‑rights resolution is complete.
- Serve as a secondary worker, completing legal and administrative tasks that reduce time in care and support high‑quality permanency planning.
- Enter required information and documentation into OR‑Kids and ensure case records are complete.
- Review all case materials, including family history, legal parent information, medical and educational records, and ICWA/ORICWA details when applicable.
- Provide adoptive families with comprehensive information about the child and support them through the adoption process.
- Support guardianship resources by helping them access financial supports and fully understand their responsibilities.
- Contact relatives to determine willingness and suitability as guardians or adoptive resources.
- Track finalized cases to monitor progress toward state permanency timelines.
- Collaborate daily with primary caseworkers to support concurrent planning for adoption or guardianship.
- Attend court hearings, prepare case reports, present cases, and provide testimony as needed.
- Participate in CRB meetings and provide updates on case progress.
- Assist with monthly child visits as needed and help monitor child safety and well‑being.
- Communicate with Central Office and recruitment partners regarding adoption and guardianship needs.
- Attend permanency‑related meetings, unit meetings, and training sessions as assigned.
- Travel is necessary; use required computer systems including Microsoft Word, Excel, and OR‑Kids.
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 Loan Forgiveness Program.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
