Permanency Caseworker (Teen Unit) | Social Service Specialist 1

Initial Posting Date:

10/17/2025

Application Deadline:

10/26/2025

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$4,833 - $7,407

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Permanency Caseworker (Teen Unit) | Social Service Specialist 1

Job Description:

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 passionate about working with adolescents and young adults? Channel that energy into a meaningful career - one that safeguards children, uplifts families, and creates lasting impact. Your journey begins now.

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 focus on supporting children, families, and resource parents to ensure safe and stable home environments. Their work promotes the physical, psychological, and social well-being of children, including youth ages 18–21 transitioning from resource care to independent living.

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 – Teen Unit (Social Service Specialist 1) to join our dedicated Child Welfare team in Oregon City. 

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 (Teen Unit), your responsibilities include:

• Working toward family reunification or identifying permanent connections (e.g., guardianship, adoption, kinship care)

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

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

• Addressing the impact of trauma and promoting healing through tailored support

• Coordinating services to support emotional and psychological well-being.

• Attending Child Safety meetings and collaborate with families to develop safety plans for children. 

• Involving teens in decisions about their care, goals, and future through youth-centered planning.

• Connecting youth with resources for high school completion, college access, vocational training, and job placement.

• Supporting youth ages 18–21 in their transition from resource care to independent living by building essential skills in housing, employment, education, and daily living.

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. 

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Familiarity with implementing policies and procedures, including the Child Welfare Vision for Transformation, and the Oregon Safety Model.

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

• Experience with collaborating across systems and communities to promote stability and continuity of care.

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

• Demonstrated ability to work with adolescents and families from diverse backgrounds in building meaningful connections across varied communities and lived experiences.

• Demonstrated ability to work within a team as well as individually.

Attention all candidates!

• A cover letter is required. 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 are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range. If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is listed as a minimum qualification for the position, please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.

• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

• 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.

• 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 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 regular work schedule will be Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 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 may be included in a rotating evening and weekend on-call schedule, though this is not currently required.

• 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-187208.