Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)
About The Position
The Oregon Department of Human Services is hiring a Permanency Worker to engage with families and build meaningful connections that help identify their strengths, individuality, and needs. The role supports children in care and their families as they work toward safety, stability, and permanency, including transitions such as reunification or adoption. The position is permanent and full-time, represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). The work takes place in offices, participants’ homes, and other community locations. Frequent travel is required for transporting children or families and completing case-related activities. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, with possible fluctuations according to service needs. Occasional compensated overtime, including evening and weekend hours, may be required, and the employee participates in a rotating on-call schedule that includes evenings and weekends. The work may involve interacting with people experiencing trauma or emotional distress, situations requiring quick decisions to protect safety, traversing stairs and uneven terrain, and assisting children weighing up to 50 pounds in and out of car seats.
Requirements
- A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
- A completed bachelor’s degree in human services or a field related to human services; or a completed bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field plus one year of human services-related experience or coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
- Alternatively, an associate degree plus 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.
- For positions engaged in child protective investigations and/or custody determinations, the educational requirements under ORS 419B.021 apply; experience alone does not meet the minimum qualifications.
- Experience managing workload with consistent follow-through.
- Experience reviewing work for completeness, accuracy, and alignment with policy.
- Experience engaging children and families to support safety, stability, and well-being.
- Experience applying critical thinking to analyze issues and develop solutions.
- Experience collaborating with service providers, community partners, and internal teams.
- Experience communicating with respect, cultural awareness, and trauma-informed practices.
Responsibilities
- Monitor and assess the safety, well-being, and development of children in care, and support transitions such as returning home or adoption.
- Facilitate and observe parent–child visits, provide coaching, and arrange transportation.
- Maintain regular contact with families and partners while developing and updating safety and service plans.
- Coordinate services, make referrals, and track progress for children and families.
- Maintain accurate case records, including assessments, plans, and required documentation, within timelines.
- Prepare reports, make recommendations, and participate in court hearings and review boards.
- Collaborate with caregivers, schools, service providers, and DHS partners to support child stability and permanency.
Benefits
- ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
- Cost of Living Adjustments.
- Annual salary increases until the top of the listed salary range is reached.
- Amazing benefits package.
- Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
