Permanency Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1) | Bilingual English/Spanish required

State of Oregon•Hillsboro, OR

6d•$59,448 - $91,104•Hybrid

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking individuals who believe in the power of empathy, resilience, and human connection to join their team as a Permanency Worker. This role is central to the mission of connecting with families, understanding their unique stories, and facilitating lasting change for children and communities. Permanency caseworkers focus on ensuring children's safety in their homes through regular communication and by working towards reuniting families or establishing permanent plans when necessary. The position requires a bilingual English/Spanish proficiency and offers a potential 5% differential pay upon passing the required language test. The role is part of the Child Welfare (CW) team in Hillsboro and contributes to the Child Welfare Vision for Transformation, aiming for children and young adults to be safer, healthier, experience less trauma, and achieve greater well-being.

Requirements

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 services; OR A bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services AND either 1) One year of Human Services related experience; OR 2) Completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency; OR An associate degree and either: 1) Two years of Human Services related experience; OR 2) One year of Human Services related experience and related training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
Bilingual in English and Spanish (the job offer will be contingent upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements of the position).
Demonstrated ability to Work collaboratively across teams and with community partners to achieve positive outcomes by organizing work effectively, balancing competing priorities, and fostering strong professional relationships.
Demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively and professionally through written, verbal, and electronic communication while utilizing case management systems, document management software, and other technology to support accurate, timely, and efficient service delivery.
Experience with advocating for safety, permanency, and well-being in ways that honor each person’s unique story and strengths.
Demonstrates curiosity, humility, and willingness to learn from people with diverse identities, cultural histories, lived experiences, and worldviews.
Experience identifying problems and solutions through a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach.
Experience Social services related field providing services and resources to children and families.
Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint-based criminal records check.

Responsibilities

Ensure the child’s safety and well-being through regular communication.
Help the child adapt, evaluate progress in development and treatment requirements, discuss upcoming changes, and prepare the child for transitions.
Arrange visits between children in care and their parents and other family members. Actively monitor the visits and interactions between parents and children and offer necessary guidance, when applicable.
Attend Child Safety meetings and collaborate with Child Protective Services Workers and families to develop safety plans for children.
Provide case management services through referrals and regular contact with service providers for parents and children to coordinate services and assess progress.
Collaborate with parents and schools to evaluate the child’s academic progress and achievement of goals.
Communicate expectations, planned contacts and timelines with families in community and family home settings.
Engage in preparation and presentation of cases in juvenile court hearings.
Provides, time-limited case management and intervention services to children in substitute care and children remaining safely in their own homes.