Permanency Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1) | Bilingual English/Spanish required

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! Turn your passion for protecting children and empowering families into a career that truly makes a difference—your journey starts here! 

At the Oregon Department of Human Services, we are looking for individuals who believe in the power of empathy, resilience, and human connection. As a Permanency Worker, you will be at the heart of our mission— where you will connect with families, navigate their unique stories, and help create lasting change for Oregon's children and communities. 

Permanency caseworkers specialize in working with children, families, resource parents to ensure children are safe in their homes. This includes assuring a child's physical, psychological and social well-being with the goal of reuniting families or finding alternate, permanent plans when necessary. 

Dive in and discover more — watch our YouTube video to see how you can make a difference! ODHS | Child Welfare Permanency Caseworker  

Interested in making a difference?  

We are seeking a dedicated Permanency Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1) | Bilingual English/Spanish required to join our dedicated Child Welfare (CW) team in Hillsboro. 

Bilingual requirement (English/Spanish)   

• This position is bilingual and requires duties to be carried out in both English and Spanish.  

• The job offer will be contingent upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements of the position.  

• This position may receive a 5% differential pay based on passing the required language test.  

Together, we can create lasting change!  

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.  

As a Permanency Caseworker, you will, among other things:   

• Ensure the child’s safety and well-being through regular communication. 

• Help the child adapt, evaluate progress in development and treatment requirements, discuss upcoming changes, and prepare the child for transitions.  

• Arrange visits between children in care and their parents and other family members. Actively monitor the visits and interactions between parents and children and offer necessary guidance, when applicable.  

• Attend Child Safety meetings and collaborate with Child Protective Services Workers and families to develop safety plans for children. 

• Provide case management services through referrals and regular contact with service providers for parents and children to coordinate services and assess progress. 

• Collaborate with parents and schools to evaluate the child’s academic progress and achievement of goals. 

• Communicate expectations, planned contacts and timelines with families. 

• Engage in preparation and presentation of cases in juvenile court hearings.  

Minimum Qualifications  

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. 

• 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. 

Bilingual in English and Spanish (the job offer will be contingent upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements of the position).   

Essential Attributes 

We are looking for candidates with:  

• Experience with navigating complex emotional situations using empathy, patience, and trauma-informed approaches. 

• Experience with organizing priorities, managing time effectively, and maintaining detailed records to support consistent follow-through. 

• Experience with communicating clearly and respectfully across diverse cultural and social backgrounds. 

• Experience with interpreting guidelines and applying them thoughtfully to meet individual needs and circumstances. 

• Experience with advocating for safety, permanency, and well-being in ways that honor each person’s unique story and strengths. 

Attention all candidates!

• Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history. 

• Please make sure your application materials, including your resume and job history (with clear start and end dates for each role), as well as your completed graduation date, are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. 

• Important: Please monitor both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment. You may be asked to submit additional information after initial application. 

• The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification. 

• The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PDT/PST) on the close date. Immediately after you submit your application, be sure to respond to the two questionnaires relating to public records requests and veterans’ preference. These questions are necessary to complete the application process.  

Working Conditions  

•  Work Locations: Offices, homes of participants, and community sites. 

• Hours: Your typical work schedule will be Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.  

• Your hours of work will fluctuate on a daily and weekly basis to meet service needs. This may include some evening and weekend work and compensated overtime. 

• On-Call: You’ll be part of a rotating on-call schedule that includes evenings and weekends.  

• Travel: Occasional travel for meetings, trainings, and other case related activities. This includes required occasional overnight travel. 

• Physical Requirements: Frequent physical activity, including lifting up to 50 pounds and assisting children with car seats. 

• This role involves handling sensitive topics related to trauma, abuse, and crises, requiring a trauma-informed approach that is essential to ensure a safe environment. 

• You may interact with individuals who have experienced trauma and may have difficulty managing their emotions. 

• Be prepared for stressful situations that require quick decision-making to ensure safety for yourself and others. 

Background Checks and Requirements  

• If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information.  

• The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. 

• Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint-based criminal records check.  

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.   

Benefits 

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning. 

• 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.  

Employment Preference  

Veterans’ preference: 

• Veterans’ preference information. 

• How to submit your Veteran documents for preference. Please do not attach your Veterans’ preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application. 

General Information  

• This is a ​permanent​, ​full-time​ position and is ​represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). ​  

• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.  

Contact Information  

We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions.  

• The recruiter for this position is ​Nadja Rue​. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-185029.