What are the responsibilities and job description for the Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) position at Department of Human Services?
Initial Posting Date:
01/23/2025
Application Deadline:
02/09/2025
Agency:
Department of Human Services
Salary Range:
$4,833 - $7,407
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)
Job 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.
Opportunity awaits! 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!
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:
- Monitor and assess the safety, well-being, and development of children in care, including facilitating transitions like return home or adoption.
- Observe and facilitate parent-child visitations, providing feedback and counseling as needed, and arrange transportation for visits.
- Maintain regular contact with parents and families, developing treatment plans and safety plans in collaboration with service providers, schools, and other partners.
- Coordinate case management services for parents and children, ensuring progress through referrals and ongoing support.
- Maintain accurate and complete case records, including documentation of family history, court reports, and treatment plans.
- Attend court hearings, prepare reports, make recommendations, and participate in Citizens' Review Board reviews.
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 of child development, crisis intervention, conflict resolution, behavior management and trauma impact.
- Experience using critical thinking skills to make quick decisions while maintaining a professional and collaborative posture.
- Experience articulating observations and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Experience mentoring and engaging with families to identify and implement strategies for successful client engagement.
Attention all candidates!
- Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Please include detailed work and education history.
- Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process.
- Note: “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.
- Occasional travel is required for attending meetings, trainings, providing transportation, and other case related activities.
- Employee will work a professional work week; hours of work may fluctuate based on service needs.
- Occasional, compensated overtime may be required, including evening and weekend work.
- Employee may be on a rotating on-call schedule, that would include evening or weekend work.
- In this role, you will handle sensitive issues related to trauma, abuse, substance use, and crises.
- You will interact with a diverse range of individuals, including those who have experienced trauma and may struggle with emotional regulation.
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.
- 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.
- Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint-based criminal records check.
- A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.
Benefits
- ODHS Employee Resource Groupcommunities that promote shared learning.
- Cost of Living Adjustments.
- Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
- Amazingbenefits package.
- Possible eligibility for thePublic Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Employment Preference
Veterans’ preference:
- Veterans’ preference information.
- 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 Amanda Alvarado. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-173627.
- Email: AMANDA.K.ALVARADO@odhs.oregon.gov
- Phone (call or text): 541-709-8695.
