Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) Bilingual Preferred English/Spanish

State of Oregon • The Dalles, OR

8d • $4,954 - $7,592 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking a Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) to join their Child Welfare team in The Dalles office. This role is focused on supporting children and families to achieve permanency and well-being. The department emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from historically underrepresented groups. A bilingual differential pay of 5% is offered for English/Spanish proficiency upon passing a test. The position involves case management, engaging with diverse communities, developing strategies to support families, handling documentation and legal duties, and balancing child/family needs with legal requirements.

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 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.
• Experience drafting analytical documents that culminate in well-supported conclusions and recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to use time‑management, organizational, and prioritization skills to consistently meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of child development principles and the effects of parental actions and choices.
• Proven experience coordinating with diverse parties to identify solutions that support child safety and policy compliance.
• Experience adopting trauma-informed practices that consider individual needs, safety, trust-building, and cultural sensitivity.
• Must be able to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States within three days of hire.
• Must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint-based criminal records check.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual Preferred – English & Spanish

Responsibilities

• Support families by playing a critical role in helping families achieve their goals while ensuring child safety.
• Provide case management by working with diverse families, including American Indian/Alaskan Native communities, collaborating with tribal entities and community partners.
• Engage effectively by interacting with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers using a trauma-informed and antiracist approach to achieve safety and optimal outcomes.
• Developing strategies by creating and implementing strategies that leverage family strengths and address areas needing improvement.
• Handling documentation and legal duties by conducting home visits, completing legal documentation, attending court hearings, and addressing child safety issues.
• Balancing needs and legal requirements by ensuring a balance between the needs of the child and family while adhering to legal requirements.
• Building rapport by establishing meaningful relationships with families to understand their dynamics and supporting their unique needs.

Benefits

• 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.
• 5% bilingual differential pay for English/Spanish proficiency upon passing a test.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level