State of Oregon
Teen Permanency Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1)
State of Oregon, Portland, Oregon, United States, 97201
Teen Permanency Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1)
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! Step into a pivotal role where your dedication to supporting teens and their families helps shape brighter futures. Use your compassion, cultural awareness, and connection-building skills to empower youth through critical life transitions. Are you ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Oregon's teensone relationship at a time? We are currently seeking TWO (2) Teen Permanency Caseworkers (Social Service Specialists 1) to join our Child Welfare team based in our Portland office on Webster Street. One Teen Permanency Caseworker will be designated to work closely with children involved in CSEC - Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children. They will provide specialized support, coordinate services, and advocate for their safety and recovery.
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. This position is responsible for making both emergency and planned decisions regarding the placement and care planning of high-risk children. It involves assessing service needs, developing appropriate case and visitation plans, and identifying suitable placement resources. In collaboration with branch staff and consultants, the role also contributes to decisions on permanency planning, including termination of parental rights and selection of adoptive or long-term care placements. As a Teen Permanency Worker, you will engage children and families and provide services in a regular, systematic, and ongoing way by focusing on: Maintain ongoing engagement with clients, building meaningful relationships to understand their dynamics and support their unique needs.
Interact effectively with children, families, caregivers, and community partners using a trauma-informed, antiracist approach to promote safety and achieve optimal outcomes.
Complete comprehensive assessments, including child and family assessments, risk and safety evaluations, Protective Capacity Assessments, and Conditions for Return, to guide case planning and reunification efforts.
Develop and implement family case plans and strategies that leverage family strengths while addressing areas of concern.
Provide intensive, time-limited casework services to children in both substitute care and their own homes, supporting families in achieving their goals while prioritizing child safety.
Conduct regular reviews and evaluations to monitor client progress and adjust plans as needed.
Deliver culturally responsive case management, collaborating with tribal entities and serving diverse families, including American Indian/Alaskan Native communities.
Manage documentation and legal responsibilities, including home visits, legal documentation, court hearings, and compliance with child welfare laws.
Balance the needs of the child and family while ensuring adherence to all legal and safety requirements.
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.
Minimum Qualifications A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record are required for this position. And
A bachelor's degree in human services or a field related to human services. 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.
Degree must be completed, not in progress. Experience alone will not meet the minimum qualifications for those positions.
Essential Attributes We are looking for candidates with:
Demonstrated proficiency in performing detail-oriented tasks, including the preparation and comprehensive review of narrative documentation and court reports for individual client casesaccurately capturing case activities, client interactions, critical observations, and providing well-reasoned conclusions and recommendations.
Experienced in conducting screenings and assessments, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, caregivers, and community partners to ensure child safety and well-being in alignment with state regulations and child welfare policies.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, demonstrated through clear, professional interactions in person and by phone, and through confident, effective presentations in court proceedings.
Skilled in delivering culturally responsive services to diverse populations, with a strong understanding of cultural competency and inclusive practice in child welfare settings.
Highly organized and adept at prioritizing tasks, managing time effectively, and meeting deadlines. Proficient in the use of computers and case management systems to support documentation and case coordination.
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, resume and job history, are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range.
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.
Employee's work schedule will be Monday - Friday; hours may fluctuate based on service needs. Occasional compensated overtime during evening and weekend work may be required.
This position will be required to participate in an on-call rotation for mandatory on-call for child protective services.
Frequent travel is required. Some travel may be hours away. Some travel may be in hazardous weather conditions.
You may interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions.
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.
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.
Background Checks and Requirements 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.
If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification.
Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint-based criminal records check.
Benefits O
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! Step into a pivotal role where your dedication to supporting teens and their families helps shape brighter futures. Use your compassion, cultural awareness, and connection-building skills to empower youth through critical life transitions. Are you ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Oregon's teensone relationship at a time? We are currently seeking TWO (2) Teen Permanency Caseworkers (Social Service Specialists 1) to join our Child Welfare team based in our Portland office on Webster Street. One Teen Permanency Caseworker will be designated to work closely with children involved in CSEC - Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children. They will provide specialized support, coordinate services, and advocate for their safety and recovery.
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. This position is responsible for making both emergency and planned decisions regarding the placement and care planning of high-risk children. It involves assessing service needs, developing appropriate case and visitation plans, and identifying suitable placement resources. In collaboration with branch staff and consultants, the role also contributes to decisions on permanency planning, including termination of parental rights and selection of adoptive or long-term care placements. As a Teen Permanency Worker, you will engage children and families and provide services in a regular, systematic, and ongoing way by focusing on: Maintain ongoing engagement with clients, building meaningful relationships to understand their dynamics and support their unique needs.
Interact effectively with children, families, caregivers, and community partners using a trauma-informed, antiracist approach to promote safety and achieve optimal outcomes.
Complete comprehensive assessments, including child and family assessments, risk and safety evaluations, Protective Capacity Assessments, and Conditions for Return, to guide case planning and reunification efforts.
Develop and implement family case plans and strategies that leverage family strengths while addressing areas of concern.
Provide intensive, time-limited casework services to children in both substitute care and their own homes, supporting families in achieving their goals while prioritizing child safety.
Conduct regular reviews and evaluations to monitor client progress and adjust plans as needed.
Deliver culturally responsive case management, collaborating with tribal entities and serving diverse families, including American Indian/Alaskan Native communities.
Manage documentation and legal responsibilities, including home visits, legal documentation, court hearings, and compliance with child welfare laws.
Balance the needs of the child and family while ensuring adherence to all legal and safety requirements.
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.
Minimum Qualifications A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record are required for this position. And
A bachelor's degree in human services or a field related to human services. 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.
Degree must be completed, not in progress. Experience alone will not meet the minimum qualifications for those positions.
Essential Attributes We are looking for candidates with:
Demonstrated proficiency in performing detail-oriented tasks, including the preparation and comprehensive review of narrative documentation and court reports for individual client casesaccurately capturing case activities, client interactions, critical observations, and providing well-reasoned conclusions and recommendations.
Experienced in conducting screenings and assessments, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, caregivers, and community partners to ensure child safety and well-being in alignment with state regulations and child welfare policies.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, demonstrated through clear, professional interactions in person and by phone, and through confident, effective presentations in court proceedings.
Skilled in delivering culturally responsive services to diverse populations, with a strong understanding of cultural competency and inclusive practice in child welfare settings.
Highly organized and adept at prioritizing tasks, managing time effectively, and meeting deadlines. Proficient in the use of computers and case management systems to support documentation and case coordination.
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, resume and job history, are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range.
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.
Employee's work schedule will be Monday - Friday; hours may fluctuate based on service needs. Occasional compensated overtime during evening and weekend work may be required.
This position will be required to participate in an on-call rotation for mandatory on-call for child protective services.
Frequent travel is required. Some travel may be hours away. Some travel may be in hazardous weather conditions.
You may interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions.
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.
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.
Background Checks and Requirements 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.
If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification.
Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint-based criminal records check.
Benefits O