Resource Home Certifier (Social Service Specialist 1)

State of Oregon • Medford, OR

2d

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Human Services is hiring a Resource Home Certifier to recruit, assess, and engage resource, adoptive, and caregiver applicants from diverse backgrounds. The role includes interviewing families and inspecting homes to evaluate their readiness to provide safe and supportive homes for children in need. The certifier prepares home studies, documentation, and certification recommendations to ensure families meet safety and suitability standards.

The position also provides ongoing support and training to resource and adoptive families, monitors home conditions and family dynamics, and supports placement plans. The certifier participates in recruitment and outreach, case staffing, and planning meetings; maintains records and prepares reports; may provide testimony or recommendations in court or administrative proceedings; and coordinates with legal partners, service providers, and internal teams to support placements and permanency outcomes.

This is a permanent, full-time position represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Work takes place in an office, participants’ homes, and community locations, with frequent travel and occasional overnight travel. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, with possible schedule fluctuations and occasional compensated overtime, including evenings and weekends.

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 unrelated bachelor’s degree and one year of human-services-related experience, or coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
• Alternatively, an associate degree and either two years of human-services-related experience, or one year of human-services-related experience plus related training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
• Degree requirements must be completed; degrees in progress do not meet the minimum qualifications.
• Experience gathering information through active listening, asking clarifying questions, and accurately documenting information.
• Experience reviewing information, applying policies or guidelines, and making decisions based on documented facts.
• Experience prioritizing tasks, managing competing deadlines, and maintaining accurate records across multiple cases or work assignments.
• Experience communicating clearly, verbally and in writing, with diverse audiences, including when discussing sensitive or complex topics.
• Ability to travel frequently for family visits and case-related activities; occasional overnight travel may be needed.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, assess, and engage resource, adoptive, and caregiver applicants from diverse backgrounds.
• Interview families and inspect homes to assess readiness and suitability.
• Prepare home studies, documentation, and certification recommendations, ensuring families meet safety and suitability standards.
• Provide ongoing support and training to resource and adoptive families.
• Check home conditions, family dynamics, and placement support plans.
• Participate in recruitment activities, outreach events, case staffing, and planning meetings.
• Prepare reports and maintain required documentation.
• Provide testimony or recommendations in court or administrative proceedings.
• Coordinate with legal partners, service providers, and internal teams to support placements and permanency outcomes.

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.
• Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard preference for eligible candidates who meet the position qualifications.

What This Job Offers

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