Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

Permanency Worker (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. 

Are you passionate about making a lasting impact on the lives of Oregon’s most vulnerable children and families? As a Permanency Worker in our Child Welfare Program, you’ll play a critical role in shaping brighter futures. Take on the challenge of guiding families through difficult times, building lasting relationships, and being the advocate every child deserves! 

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:   

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. 

Minimum Qualifications  

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:  

Knowledge, training, or education in child development and the impact of parent behaviors and decisions. 

Experience formulating documents or reports that include a conclusion and recommended action. 

Experience using time management, organization, and prioritization skills to meet deadlines. 

Experience problem-solving in collaboration with several parties to ensure child safety and compliance with state policies. 

Experience engaging with diverse communities to understand their needs and perspectives, ensuring inclusive and equitable approaches.