Social Service Specialist 1 - Foster Care Certifier (bilingual Spanish/English)

Oregon Youth Authority • Gladstone, OR

89d • Hybrid

About The Position

OREGON YOUTH AUTHORITY Social Service Specialist 1 - Foster Care Certifier Salem, Oregon - Equitable Center (bilingual English/Spanish required) Are you passionate about supporting youth and families through meaningful relationship building and community engagement? The Oregon Youth Authority is seeking a dedicated Social Service Specialist 1 - Foster Care Certifier to join our team. In this vital role, you will be responsible for the certification and recertification of all foster and proctor homes, ensuring compliance with agency and state standards. You will provide training, coaching, and mentoring to foster and proctor parents to help them create safe, stable, and supportive environments for youth in care. This position also involves frequent contact with foster and proctor homes, as well as proctor residential staff, to provide guidance, monitor compliance, and support ongoing program quality. If you are committed to making a difference in the lives of youth and families, and thrive in a role that combines relationship-building, education, and regulatory oversight, we encourage you to apply. For a complete list of duties and responsibilities, please click here . Would you like to learn more about this position and OYA? Join us on Wednesday, October 29 between 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. for OYA Career Chats. Click Here to Register for OYA Career Chats!

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in Human Services or a field related to human services; OR A bachelor's degree unrelated to Human Services AND either 1) One year of Human Services related experience; OR 2) Completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency; OR An associate degree and either: 1) Two years of Human Services related experience; OR 2) One year of Human Services related experience and related training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
• Driving is an essential function of this position. A valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record are required for this position. We will conduct pre-employment driving records checks on our final candidate(s).
• This position is bilingual English/Spanish. This position requires the ability to speak, read and write in Spanish and English fluently. Indicate your Spanish speaking skills in the skills section of your application or resume.
• COVER LETTER AND RESUME REQUIRED : In your cover letter, please describe your experiences, skills, and knowledge as they relate to the desired attributes of the position and explain why you are the best fit for this role. Limit your cover letter to no more than 2 pages and ensure it is in PDF format for accessibility. Ensure your application and/or resume thoroughly reflect your skills, experience (both lived, volunteer, and professional), knowledge, and/or education pertinent to this position, including any/all desired attributes. Please ensure your resume shows month/year and description of job duties for each position. Complete the questionnaire. Following the submission of your application, promptly respond to the public records request authorization and gender identity questionnaire. If you're an employee, these tasks will be in your Workday inbox. Veterans may receive preference; indicate your veteran status if applicable. Click here for more information about veterans' preference . Caution: If you fail to follow these instructions, including failing to attach a cover letter as described above, we will have to disqualify your application. We cannot consider incomplete or late applications.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to provide o ral and written translation services from Spanish to English and English to Spanish for program needs
• Knowledge of t heories, methods and techniques used in correctional or social case work
• Familiarity with methods and techniques for building diverse community partnerships and provider networks to better support the cultural needs of youth
• Experienced in applying principles and techniques of individual and group training, as well as measuring training outcomes.
• Proficiency with automated data systems and related software, including spreadsheets, word processing, and information tracking databases
• Knowledge of techniques and methods used to interview individuals in order to gather relevant information

Responsibilities

• certification and recertification of all foster and proctor homes
• ensuring compliance with agency and state standards
• provide training, coaching, and mentoring to foster and proctor parents
• create safe, stable, and supportive environments for youth in care
• provide guidance, monitor compliance, and support ongoing program quality

Benefits

• OYA values our employees. We believe that your time outside of the workplace is as valuable as it is inside the workplace. We offer a great work/life balance with flexible work schedules on most positions and a competitive benefits package , including low-cost, high-coverage health insurance , generous time-off, and a competitive retirement plan . Discover more about working in Oregon state government by clicking here . This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU/OPEU). By joining and maintaining your membership with SEIU Local 503, the following benefits are available to you such as: $2,500 life insurance policy paid for by your union, SEIU Local 503. This policy is in effect if you are an active member. Up to $200,000 of additional life insurance can be purchased. Up to $100,000 member life, $40,000 spouse and $10,000 child is guaranteed within the first 90 days of new union membership. Short Term Disability insurance is guaranteed if purchased within the first 90 days of new union membership. Legal insurance enrollment is available to purchase within the first 90 days of new union membership. Tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

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