• Job Description

  Req#: REQ-140753

  Initial Posting Date:

  03/19/2024

  Application Deadline:

  04/02/2024

  Agency:

  Department of Human Services

  Salary Range:

  $4,536 - $6,952

  Position Type:

  Employee

  Position Title:

  ICWA Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

  Job Description:

  We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are actively working to build an equitable agency with the Equity North Star as our guide toward our vision of an agency free of racism, discrimination and bias. We believe that teams in which everyone can show up as their full authentic self are key to creating a thriving workforce that can better serve communities. We welcome members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to apply.

  Imagine having an opportunity to build rapport with families, understand their uniqueness, and learn about how each family functions. As an Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) permanency worker, you will have an opportunity to make a positive impact on Oregonians in need of support and resources. If you are looking to make a difference, this position may be for you!

  We are seeking an ICWA Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) to join our Portland Child Welfare team.

  Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), A place to belong and make a difference!

  • When you join the ODHS, you join a community of over 10,000 employees dedicated to serving and helping Oregonians achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice, and preserve dignity.

  • Connect with ODHS Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and find a place to belong, build community and participate in shared learning. ERGs are employee-driven committees that support each other as well as the ODHS’ overall mission and vision.

  • We are committed to building an antiracist and equitable agency. Equity is foundational to our role as a human services agency, and we are committed to integrating equity into all we do. The Equity North Star has four points that explain the agency's goals related to equity, inclusion, and racial justice.

  • We know that life is unpredictable and ODHS cares about keeping you well. Enjoy a work-life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, and competitive benefits packages including health, dental, vision and much more!

  What you need to qualify

  • 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.

  A valid driver license and acceptable driving record are necessary for this position.

  Essential attributes

  We are looking for candidates with:

  • Experience utilizing a trauma-informed lens to make sound judgements, identify successful solutions to problems, and provide recommendations regarding child safety decision and child placement.

  • Experience working with people from BIPOC, American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) and other culturally specific communities.

  • Demonstrated commitment to equity and antiracism work.

  • Experience working collaboratively and supportively with a team.

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

  Please be sure to clearly describe how you meet these attributes within your application materials. These attributes will be used to determine which candidates will be selected to move forward in the process.

  Your duties at a glance

  
  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 an ICWA Permanency Worker, you will:

  • Interviewing clients that are of Native American or Alaskan heritage.

  • Consulting/conferring with the Indian Tribes of Oregon and other states.

  • Providing/arranging client transportation when needed and appropriate.

  • Providing courtesy supervision services on behalf of other branches and other states through the Interstate Compact.

  • Contacting clients and service providers by phone, home visits, office visits, or other methods to review service needs, service plans, provide case consultation, or problem solve.

  • Determining eligibility for CAF services.

  • Creating and implementing service plans.

  • Initiating and ensuring payment for purchased/contracted services.

  • Consulting with the Human Services Manager about placement screening committees, administrative review committees and others regarding client service needs, plans, progress, or problems.

  • Providing linkages and referrals for community resources.

  • Providing reports to the court as required.

  • Completing Citizen Review Board reviews and dependency hearing reports/reviews.

  • Providing active efforts to prevent placement of children in substitute care.

  • Working in cooperation and coordination with the tribes on all case plans and decisions that affect children and families.

  • Serving as the ICWA liaison to the branch and branches through the county and state.

  Working conditions

  • Position involves frequent travel.

  • Position requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

  • This position requires working a flexible schedule as a condition of employment. Hours of work may vary from day to day and may include nights and weekends.

  • Overtime must be pre-approved by the manager.

  • You may interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma, exhibit challenges in controlling their anger, or other unexpected emotions impacted by drug use, cognitive impairments, or other factors.

  Application instructions & requirements

  Your work history profile, cover letter, and resume are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and demonstrate your skills, lived and/or work experience that shows you are an excellent candidate for the position.

  • A cover letter is requested but not required. If you decide to attach a cover letter , please demonstrate in the cover letter how you meet the qualifications, requirements, and essential attributes for the position.

  • Please upload a resume or complete the work history profile. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.

  • Current State of Oregon employees: Apply via your employee Workday account.

  • If you are not a current State of Oregon employee, view this application instructional video.

  • After you submit your application, you will have additional tasks to complete in Workday. Please continue to check your Workday account throughout the recruitment process.

  Additional requirements

  • Finalists for this position will be subject to a computerized criminal history and abuse check. Adverse background information will be reviewed and could result in withdrawal of a conditional job offer or termination of employment.

  • 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.

  Helpful information

  • This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

  • This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.

  • Have questions about Workday, and want some tips on understanding the state application process? Check out our Oregon job opportunities page.

  • If you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have questions or need assistance with the application process, please contact Nadja Rue via email. Please be sure to include the job requisition number.

• About the company

  Oregon (/ˈɒrɡən/ ORR--gən) is a state in the Pacific Northwest region on the West Coast of the United States.

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