Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

Initial Posting Date: 05/22/2026 Application Deadline: 06/03/2026 Agency: Department of Human Services Salary Range: $4,954 - $7,592 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. 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! Join our OUTSTANDING Astoria Child Welfare team and be a part of a rewarding journey, making a lasting impact on the lives of children and families in our vibrant community. Together, let's make a lasting difference! 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. Interested in learning more? Here are some testimonials from current ODHS Child Welfare Workers. A Permanency Worker you will Safety & Wellbeing: You play a crucial part in helping families achieve their goals while ensuring the safety and well-being of children. Engagement: You engage with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers in various ways to promote safety, permanency, and optimal outcomes for Oregon’s children and families. Strategies: You develop and implement multi-level strategies that leverage family strengths and address areas for improvement. Responsibilities: Your tasks include conducting home visits, writing reports, attending court hearings, and problem-solving child safety issues. Balancing Act: You balance the needs of the child and the family in compliance with legal requirements. Opportunities: You will build rapport with families, understand their uniqueness, and learn about each family’s dynamics. What you need to qualify: 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. A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required. Essential attributes We are looking for candidates with experience: Experience presenting complex information to clients, co-workers, law enforcement and in court in a clear and concise manner. Experience establishing and maintaining professional casework relationships that engage and empower families. Experience learning and utilizing technology, multiple databases, accurately enter data, and use word processing software. Experience using trauma-informed practices that are inclusive of the child and family's language, race, and culture. Demonstrated experience ensuring accurate, timely, and thorough record-keeping of case details and progress. Demonstrated experience in assessing family dynamics, child needs, and risks to inform permanency planning. Experience in tracking and monitoring case progress, ensuring that interventions are implemented, and outcomes are achieved through consistent evaluation and adjustment of strategies. . 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. Note: “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.” Working conditions Your work will be conducted in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites. A valid driver’s license from the state in which they reside is required and must have an acceptable driving record as determined by the Background Check Unit. This position requires working a flexible schedule as a condition of employment with a normal workday of 8 hours, from 8 AM to 5 PM; however, working hours may be adjusted within a given week, to provide planned services Occasional compensated overtime during evening or weekend hours may be required. You may interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions. Occasional travel is required for attending meetings, trainings, and other case related activities. 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. 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 Ryan Bennett. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number. Email: Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative. We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon “flies with her own wings.”