Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

State of Oregon•The Dalles, OR

42d

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! Are you dedicated to working with American Indian and Alaskan Native children and their families, ensuring they receive the culturally appropriate care and support they deserve? Do you thrive on collaboration, and enjoy developing and improving relationships with diverse groups of people? Ready to make a difference? Join us and help shape a brighter future for all! We are currently seeking a Permanency Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1) to join our team based in The Dalles office. This position has the potential to become a Lead Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Caseworker. 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

Per 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. Degree must be completed, not in progress. There are no exceptions or grace periods for finishing a degree.
A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record are required for this position. And
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.

Nice To Haves

Experience evaluating client needs to identify appropriate community resources, culturally responsive services, agency programs, and Tribal partnerships.
Experience preparing and maintaining thorough records, such as reports, narratives, and observations.
Demonstrated understanding of working with diverse populations
Experience organizing tasks, prioritizing responsibilities, and managing time to meet deadlines.
Demonstrated experience to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. This includes experience in writing clearly and concisely using plain language appropriate for diverse audiences, conveying information with clarity, and tailoring communication style to suit different stakeholders.
Experience organizing tasks, prioritizing responsibilities, and managing time to meet deadlines.
Proficient in computer applications, including Microsoft Word or various database software programs.

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.
Gain knowledge and understanding of ICWA Law and the impact of Oregon Department of Human Services involvement on Native American families both now and historically.
Engage with Native American families in our community. This will include those with case involvement but could also involve outreach within the Indigenous Community here in The Gorge to help build trust and collaboration.
Engage with our Native American community partners and collaborating with Tribes both in our area and all over the country to assist families and children in services and permanency plans.
As a Lead ICWA Worker, there will be some responsibility in assisting staff in learning more about ICWA Law, history, and Rule as well as assisting/supporting workers in making connections with Native American resources in the area and in how to engage in Active Efforts.
As a Lead ICWA Worker, there would be an emphasis on maintaining a caseload that would be mostly ICWA cases, which requires Active Efforts versus Reasonable Efforts (a high standard of engagement).