Permanency Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1

State of Oregon•Portland, OR

22h•Onsite

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Human Services is hiring a Permanency Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1) for its Child Welfare Program. The role supports children and families in achieving safety, well-being, and permanency by helping families work toward their goals and connecting them with appropriate support. The caseworker works with diverse families, including American Indian and Alaska Native communities, and collaborates with tribal entities and community partners. The work uses trauma-informed and antiracist approaches and balances the needs of children and families with legal requirements. The permanent assigned office is the Midtown Office at 815 NE Davis Street in Portland. While that building is unavailable, staff report to the temporary Midtown location at 6035 NE 78th Court in Portland. Work takes place in offices, participants’ homes, and other community locations. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with hours that may fluctuate based on service needs. On-call coverage after hours is required as needed. Occasional compensated overtime during evenings and weekends may be required, and frequent travel—including travel of several hours and in hazardous weather conditions—is required. This is a permanent, full-time position represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). The listed monthly salary range is $4,954 to $7,592, excluding PERS; the range increases by 6.95% for participating or eligible PERS members. The position requires a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record, and applicants must meet specified education requirements. Finalists undergo criminal history and fingerprint-based background checks. The agency does not offer visa sponsorship.

Requirements

Meet one of the following completed-degree and experience/coursework pathways: a bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field; a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field plus either one year of Human Services-related experience or coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency; or an associate degree plus either two years of Human Services-related experience or one year of related experience and related training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
Experience screening and assessing clients’ needs to determine appropriate community and culturally responsive resources, including partner agency programs or services.
Experience preparing and maintaining thorough records, such as reports, narratives, and observations.
Demonstrated understanding of working with diverse populations.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, including writing clearly and concisely in plain language for diverse audiences and adapting communication to different stakeholders.
Experience organizing tasks, prioritizing responsibilities, and managing time to meet deadlines.
Proficiency with computer applications, including Microsoft Word or database software.

Responsibilities

Support families in achieving their goals while ensuring child safety.
Provide case management to diverse families, including American Indian and Alaska Native communities, and collaborate with tribal entities and community partners.
Engage with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers using trauma-informed and antiracist approaches.
Create and implement strategies that build on family strengths and address areas needing improvement.
Conduct home visits, complete legal documentation, attend court hearings, and address child safety issues.
Balance the needs of children and families while adhering to legal requirements.
Build relationships with families to understand their dynamics and support their individual needs.
Screen and assess client needs to identify appropriate community resources and culturally responsive agency programs or services.
Prepare and maintain thorough records, including reports, narratives, and observations.