Permanency Case Aide (Social Service Assistant)

State of Oregon

91d • $4,023 - $5,575

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! Imagine working with a team that is committed to serving children, families, and communities. Each day you have a unique opportunity to be involved with several different cases, interact with a wide range of people, and enjoy a position where each day is unique. If you're looking for interesting workdays and a chance to make a difference, this Case Aide position may be for you! As a Permanency Case Aide (Social Service Assistant), you will join our Child Welfare team in the Baker City office. Baker City is in rural Eastern Oregon.

Requirements

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.
• One year experience assisting professionals in one or more specialized social programs such as family services, children services, senior services, mental or developmental disability services, substance abuse programs, juvenile corrections programs, or occupational skills programs; OR
• Possession of a current certification in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Addiction Counseling Preparation, or Juvenile Corrections; OR
• 45 quarter hours, or 30 semester hours of college course work in sociology, psychology, early childhood education, criminal justice, human services, juvenile corrections, or occupational skills training; OR
• An Associate's degree in a field not closely related to Social Work/Human Services and six months of human services related experience.

Nice To Haves

• Experience conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly when creating or reviewing documents.
• Demonstrated communication skills, including the ability to engage with a variety of people, the ability to de-escalate tense situations, and the ability to be assertive when necessary.
• Experience working successfully both with a team and independently, while managing your time efficiently.
• The ability to write clearly, concisely, and thoroughly with minimal spelling or grammar issues.
• The demonstrated ability to work well with people from a wide variety of backgrounds and showcase intercultural competency.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to caseworkers by assisting with administrative tasks like case notes, documentation, and coordination of appointments and forms for families.
• Gather and enter information from collateral contacts into the agency’s electronic system.
• Supervise initial visits for children in foster care and facilitate transportation and family visitations.
• Assist in locating relatives for parent searches, placements, or safety service providers.
• Support caseworkers with home visits, client contacts, and transportation of clients, medications, and ensure children in care meet medical and mental health assessment timelines.
• Communicate with community partners to coordinate resources and support for children and families, maintaining a resource spreadsheet by neighborhood or school district.
• Attend case-related meetings, staffing, and conferences to support casework activities.
• Assist with risk and safety assessments and help engage children in temporary placements.
• Provide testimony in court regarding visitation observations, experiences, and other applicable information.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees