Social Service Specialist 1 (Permanency Caseworker)

Initial Posting Date: 08/19/2026

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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! Ready to turn your passion for safeguarding children and strengthening families into a rewarding career? Look no further! The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking compassionate individuals to join our team and help us create lasting, positive transformations in the lives of Oregon's most vulnerable children and families.

Join us as a Permanency Worker and be the bridge that connects families, understanding their dynamics and making a lasting impact on those in need in Oregon! If you are looking to make a difference, this Permanency Worker position may be for you!

We are seeking multiple Permanency Caseworkers (Social Service Specialist 1) to join our Child Welfare team in Newport.

Together, we can make a lasting impact!

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:

• Support Families: Play a critical role in helping families achieve their goals while ensuring child safety.

• Case Management : Work with diverse families, may include American Indian/Alaskan Native communities, collaborating with tribal entities and community partners.

• Engage Effectively : Interact with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers using a trauma-informed and antiracist approach to achieve safety and optimal outcomes.

• Develop Strategies: Create and implement strategies that leverage family strengths and address areas needing improvement.

• Handle Documentation and Legal Duties : Conduct home visits, complete legal documentation, attend court hearings, and address child safety issues.

• Balance Needs and Legal Requirements: Ensure a balance between the needs of the child and family while adhering to legal requirements.

• Build Rapport: Establish meaningful relationships with families to understand their dynamics and support their unique needs.

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:

• Demonstrates a high level of comfort in collaborating with others to make decisions, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered, and the best possible outcomes are achieved for children and families.

• Experience in building collaborative relationships with community partners, agency staff, clients, and affected communities.

• Experience conducting professional communications, both verbally and in writing, including case plans, court reports, assessments, and other related documents.

• Experience working with diverse populations and implementing trauma-informed practices that address individual needs, prioritize safety, build trust, and ensure cultural sensitivity.

• Experience with case management systems, document management software, and electronic communication tools.

• Experience providing services and resources to children and families within social services settings.

Attention all candidates!

• A cover letter is encouraged. 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.

• 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.

Working Conditions

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

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

• Hours: Regular work week with fluctuating hours; occasional overtime may be needed, including evenings and weekends.

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

• 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.

• Oregon National Guard. Form DA5016, DD214 or NGB22 Required. Eligible starting January 2026. 5% awarded.

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 View email address on aiapply.co

• If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number.