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

State of Oregon • Hillsboro, OR

43d

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! Turn your passion for protecting children and empowering families into a career that truly makes a difference-your journey starts here! At the Oregon Department of Human Services, we are looking for individuals who believe in the power of empathy, resilience, and human connection. As a Permanency Worker, you will be at the heart of our mission- where 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, resource parents to ensure children are safe in their homes. This includes assuring a child's physical, psychological and social well-being with the goal of reuniting families or finding alternate, permanent plans when necessary. Dive in and discover more - watch our YouTube video to see how you can make a difference! ODHS | Child Welfare Permanency Caseworker Interested in making a difference? We are seeking a Permanency Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1) | Bilingual English/Spanish required to join our dedicated Child Welfare (CW) team in Hillsboro. Bilingual requirement (English/Spanish) This position is bilingual and requires duties to be carried out in both English and Spanish. The job offer will be contingent upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements of the position. This position may receive a 5% differential pay based on passing the required language test. Together, we can create lasting change! 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

• pursuant to ORS 419B.021, states that any position engaged in child protective investigations and/or custody determinations must meet the educational requirements. Experience alone will not meet the minimum qualifications for those positions. Degree must be completed, not in progress.
• 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).

Nice To Haves

• 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.

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.

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
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees