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State of Oregon

Permanency Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1) | Multiple Positions availab

State of Oregon, Salem, Oregon, us, 97308

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Permanency Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1) | Multiple Positions available!

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State of Oregon

4 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

This range is provided by State of Oregon. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base Pay Range

Initial Posting Date: 01/05/2026

Application Deadline: 01/12/2026

Agency: Department of Human Services

Salary Range: $4,833.00 - $7,407.00

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: Permanency Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1) | Multiple Positions available!

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! 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 Albany. 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 greater well‑being.

Key Responsibilities

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

Case management: Work with diverse families, including 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 ORS 419B.021, any position engaged in child protective investigations and/or custody determinations must meet the educational requirements. Experience alone does not meet the minimum qualifications for these positions. Degree must be completed, not in progress.

Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field.

Bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services plus: • One year of Human Services related experience; or • Completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.

Associate degree plus: • 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

High level of comfort collaborating with others to make decisions, ensuring diverse perspectives are considered.

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

Professional communication skills, both verbal and written, including case plans, court reports, assessments, and related documents.

Experience working with diverse populations and implementing trauma‑informed practices that prioritize safety and 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. Please include detailed work and education history.

Ensure your resume and cover letter contain clear start and end dates for each role, along with your completed graduation date.

Use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency.

Working Conditions

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

Travel: Occasional travel for meetings, trainings, and other case‑related activities, including required overnight travel.

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

On‑Call: 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.

Requires trauma‑informed approach due to handling sensitive topics related to trauma, abuse, and crises.

Prepare for stressful situations requiring quick decision‑making to ensure safety for yourself and others.

Background Checks and Requirements

Selected finalists will undergo a criminal history and background check; adverse history may lead to disqualification.

Oregon Department of Human Services does not sponsor visas. Within three days of hire, you must complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I‑9 form to confirm authorisation to work in the United States. ODHS will use E‑Verify for confirmation.

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.

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 information.

How to submit your Veteran documents for preference: Do not attach your Veterans’ documents 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).

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.

Recruiter:

brent.lawrence@odhs.oregon.gov

Include the job requisition number when you contact the recruiter.

Seniority Level Entry level

Employment Type Full‑time

Job Function Other

Industries Government Administration

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