Initial Posting Date:
12/16/2025Application Deadline:
12/28/2025Agency:
Department of Human ServicesSalary Range:
$4,833 - $7,407Position Type:
EmployeePosition Title:
Resource Parent Certifier (Social Service Specialist 1), Bilingual required: English/SpanishJob 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.
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 currently seeking a Resource Parent Certifier (Social Service Specialist 1) to join our team based in the Gresham office located on SE 223rd Avenue.
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 Resource Parent Certifier, you will:
Enjoy the opportunity to work both independently and collaboratively within a dedicated team committed to serving children, families, and communities.
Gather and analyze information and confirm safe environments through interviews, observations, and other source materials of the resource parents and relative caregivers.
Conduct home visits to monitor, assure compliance and confirm a safe environment.
Document assessment activities and complete other documentation requirements.
Identify and seek out relative caregivers, resource parents, and adoptive parents that represent all ethnic and cultural groups within the community.
Attend events in the community with the purpose of recruiting more resource families and certified respite providers.
Present Child Welfare’s essential RAFT trainings to all potential resource families.
Develop a training plan with the certified family.
Support and facilitate communication between certified families and case workers.
Interested in learning more? Here are some testimonials from current ODHS Workers.
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.
Bilingual Language skills in Spanish and English. And
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 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:
Experience screening and assessing clients’ needs to determine appropriate community and culturally responsive resources.
Experience preparing and maintaining thorough records, such as reports, narratives, and observations.
Demonstrated understanding of working with diverse populations.
Demonstrated experience to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. This includes experience in writing clearly and concisely using plain language appropriate for diverse audiences, conveying information with clarity, and tailoring communication style to suit different stakeholders.
Experience organizing tasks, prioritizing responsibilities, and managing time to meet deadlines.
Demonstrates proficiency in common computer applications, including the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), database software, and virtual collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
Experience coaching a diverse group of individuals including both in person and virtual settlings.
Working Conditions
Your work will be conducted in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites.
This role follows a hybrid schedule (3–4 days per week on-site, depending on the training schedule) and includes evening training facilitation from 6–9 p.m., with the option to conduct sessions virtually.
The standard work schedule is Monday–Friday; however, occasional compensated overtime may be required, including evening and weekend hours to support training needs.
In emergency situations, you will support caseworkers in finding placement for children. At times, this will require work outside of the traditional work schedule.
This position will be required to participate in an on-call rotation for child placement needs after hours and weekends.
Frequent travel is required. Some travel may be in hazardous weather conditions. Rare overnight travel for training.
You may interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions.
Walking into stressful situations that may require quick decision-making skills to ensure safety of those being serviced and own physical safety. This may also be trauma inducing.
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. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
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
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. Additional background check information.
Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint-based criminal records check.
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.
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).
The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.
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 Sugei Hernandez. Please include the REQ# when corresponding.
Phone (call or text): 971-375-8675