Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) - job 1 of 3

Initial Posting Date:

09/03/2025

Application Deadline:

09/18/2025

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$4,833 - $7,407

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Permanency Worker (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!

Imagine having an opportunity to build rapport with families, understand their uniqueness, and learn about how each family functions. As a Permanency Worker, you will have an opportunity to make a positive impact on Oregonians in need of support and resources. If you are looking to make a difference, this Permanency Worker position may be for you!

Summary of Duties

As a Permanency Worker, you will:

• Monitor and assess the safety, well-being, and development of children in care, including facilitating transitions like return home or adoption.

• Observe and facilitate parent-child visitations, providing feedback and counseling as needed, and arrange transportation for visits.

• Maintain regular contact with parents and families, developing treatment plans and safety plans in collaboration with service providers, schools, and other partners.

• Coordinate case management services for parents and children, ensuring progress through referrals and ongoing support.

• Maintain accurate and complete case records, including documentation of family history, court reports, and treatment plans.

• Attend court hearings, prepare reports, make recommendations, and participate in Citizens' Review Board reviews

Minimum Qualifications

• 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:

• Experience using critical thinking to take in information and make well-informed sound decisions.

• Experience sharing information in a clear and understandable manor to diverse audiences.

• Experience collaborating with others, exchanging ideas and resources, and working together to achieve common goals.

• Experience using organizational skills to prioritize tasks, manage workload efficiently, and meet deadlines.

Working Conditions

• Work will take place in offices, participants' homes, and various community sites.

• The work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm PT, with possible fluctuations based on service needs.

• There may be occasional requirements for compensated overtime, including evenings and weekends.

• Frequent travel is required for transporting children and families and other case related activities.

• Occasional overnight travel may be required when transporting children.  

• You may work with individuals experiencing trauma or crisis, some who may have difficulty managing their emotions.

• Quick decision-making may be necessary to ensure the safety of yourself and others.

• Activities include traversing stairs, moving on uneven terrain, installing car seats, and assisting children (up to 50 pounds) in and out of car seats.

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.

• Your application materials are used to determine your starting salary range. Please ensure that all education and experience you would like considered are included in your application materials. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. You can attach multiple files in this area at once.

• 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. 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.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence 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.

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

Please contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and application or Job-specific questions.

Please include the job requisition number: REQ-186496.

• Recruiter: Amanda Alvarado.

• Email: AMANDA.K.ALVARADO@odhs.oregon.gov

• Phone (call or text): 541-709-8695.