• Job Description

  Req#: REQ-160796

  Initial Posting Date:

  07/10/2024

  Application Deadline:

  07/28/2024

  Agency:

  Department of Human Services

  Salary Range:

  4536.00-6952.00

  Position Type:

  Employee

  Position Title:

  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 a 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 Permanency Worker position may be for you!

  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!

  Summary of Job 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, supervising children and families, 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.

  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.

  Essential attributes

  What we are looking for:

  • Community Engagement: Experience building collaborative relationships with community partners, agency staff, clients, and impacted communities.

  • Written Communication: Experience preparing and writing detailed narrative documentation of activities related to individual client cases with minimal spelling or grammar issues.

  • Cultural Connections and Trauma Informed Practices: Experience working with diverse populations. Experience adopting trauma-informed practices that consider individual needs, safety, trust-building, and cultural sensitivity.

  • Verbal Communication: Experienced in effective communication with individuals via telephone, and in face-to-face interactions.

  • Technical Proficiency: Proficient in navigating technology, inputting, and retrieving data, and using various computer systems or databases.

  • Social Service Experience: Experience providing services and resources to children and families in social services settings.

  Please be sure to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and the essential attributes within your application materials. These two areas will be used to determine which candidates will be selected to move forward in the process. Make sure to read the ‘How to Apply’ section for any other requirements.

  Working conditions

  • This is a in person position. Work is done in office and field, including client homes and in community settings.

  • This position requires working a flexible schedule as a condition of employment with an average workday of 8 hours; however, working hours may be adjusted within a given week, to provide planned services. On-call will be required after 6 months of employment.

  • Compensated overtime during evening and weekend work may be required.

  • As part of this role, you may encounter sensitive material and situations related to trauma, abuse, substance use, or crisis situations.

  • You may interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions.

  • Some travel is required for attending meetings, trainings, and other case related activities.

  Application instructions & requirements

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required.

  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, have questions or need assistance with the application process, please contact Amanda Alvarado via email at amanda.k.alvarado@odhs.oregon.gov or call 541-709-8695. 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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