Initial Posting Date:
11/14/2025Application Deadline:
11/25/2025Agency:
Department of Human ServicesSalary Range:
$4,833 - $7,407Position Type:
EmployeePosition Title:
Permanency Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1) bilingual Spanish/English requiredJob Description:
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) 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.
Bilingual Required: English & Spanish
To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in English & Spanish. The job offer will be contingent upon passing a test evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements for this position. Upon passing the test, you will receive 5% bilingual differential pay.
Opportunity awaits! Step into a transformative role where your passion for the well-being of children and your ability to connect with families come together to create lasting change. Become a catalyst for positive impact in the lives of Oregon’s children and their loved ones. Are you ready to unlock the potential within every family—and make a real difference?
We are seeking a Permanency Caseworker (Social Services Specialist 1) for our Portland office on N Webster Street! Please visit our Equal Pay Analysis page to learn more about how we evaluate employee compensation, and to access our Equal Pay Calculator.
Information session
Interested in learning more about this position? Attend one of our information sessions! The hiring manager, unit staff and recruiter will share information and answer questions. Please note, this information session is not part of the interview process. If you plan to attend and need an accommodation, please send requests in advance to alissa.walker@odhs.oregon.gov.
Friday, November 21st from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Pacific Time
Link to join for audio and visual presentation: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1613131814?pwd=FgjYHbFLtdAHdnTpufMSNqXldVDk5A.1
Or, join by phone for audio only: 669-254-5252, meeting ID 1613131814
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 Worker, you will:
Support families by playing a critical role in helping families achieve their goals while ensuring child safety.
Provide case management by working with diverse families, including American Indian/Alaskan Native communities, collaborating with tribal entities and community partners.
Engage effectively by interacting with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers using a trauma-informed and antiracist approach to achieve safety and optimal outcomes.
Developing strategies by creating and implementing strategies that leverage family strengths and address areas needing improvement.
Handling documentation and legal duties by conducting home visits, completing legal documentation, attending court hearings, and addressing child safety issues.
Balancing needs and legal requirements by ensuring a balance between the needs of the child and family while adhering to legal requirements.
Building rapport by establishing meaningful relationships with families to understand their dynamics and supporting their unique needs.
Interested in learning more? Here are some testimonials from current ODHS Workers.
Minimum Qualifications
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 (1) 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 (2) years of Human Services related experience; OR
One (1) year of Human Services related experience and related training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
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.
Essential Attributes
We are looking for candidates with:
Experience screening and assessing clients’ needs to determine appropriate community and culturally responsive resources, as well as partnering agency programs or services.
Experience preparing and maintaining thorough records, such as reports, narratives, and observations.
Demonstrated understanding of working with diverse populations.
Demonstrated proficient verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write in plain language and communicate clearly.
Experience organizing tasks, prioritizing responsibilities, and managing time to meet deadlines. Experience should include computer proficiency.
Attention all candidates! Clearly describe how you meet the essential attributes listed above in your cover letter.
Your resume (optional) and cover letter (optional) may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
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 hiring process and will be used to determine your starting salary range if you are selected as a final candidate.
Please include detailed work history that includes the month/year start date and month/year end date for each role/job. If applicable for college degrees, please clearly indicate if a degree has been completed when providing educational history (graduation dates are not required).
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.
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.
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.
Participation in the on-call rotation 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.
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.
Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint-based criminal records check.
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.
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:
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 Alissa Walker. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number.
Email: ALISSA.WALKER@odhs.oregon.gov
Phone (call or text): 503-519-1807