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

State of Oregon•Hillsboro, OR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Human Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer, guided by its Equity North Star and vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. They encourage applications from historically underrepresented groups. This role offers a career in protecting children and empowering families. As a Permanency Worker, you will connect with families, navigate their unique stories, and help create lasting change for Oregon's children and communities. Permanency caseworkers specialize in working with children, families, and resource parents to ensure children are safe in their homes, focusing on their physical, psychological, and social well-being with the goal of reuniting families or finding alternate, permanent plans. This specific position is for a Permanency Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1) within the dedicated Child Welfare (CW) team in Hillsboro and requires bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish. Passing a language proficiency test is contingent for the job offer, and a 5% differential pay may be received upon passing. Working within the Child Welfare Program, you will make a meaningful difference in the lives of Oregon’s most vulnerable children and families, contributing to the Child Welfare Vision for Transformation to support children and young adults in being safer, healthier, experiencing less trauma, and achieving 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.
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).
Experience with navigating complex emotional situations using empathy, patience, and trauma-informed approaches.
Experience with organizing priorities, managing time effectively, and maintaining detailed records to support consistent follow-through.
Experience with communicating clearly and respectfully across diverse cultural and social backgrounds.
Experience with interpreting guidelines and applying them thoughtfully to meet individual needs and circumstances.
Experience with advocating for safety, permanency, and well-being in ways that honor each person’s unique story and strengths.
Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

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.
Engage in preparation and presentation of cases in juvenile court hearings.