Permanency Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1) | Bilingual English/Spanish
State of Oregon, Salem, OR, United States
Position Title: Permanency Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1) | Bilingual English/Spanish required!
Initial Posting Date: 04/22/2026
Application Deadline: 05/06/2026
Agency: Department of Human Services
Salary Range: $4,954 - $7,592
Position Type: Employee
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.
Summary of Duties
As a Permanency Worker, you will be at the heart of our mission—connecting with families, navigating their unique stories, and helping create lasting change for Oregon's children and communities. Permanency caseworkers specialize in working with children, families, and resource parents to ensure children are safe in their homes, assuring a child’s physical, psychological, and social well‑being with the goal of reuniting families or finding alternate, permanent plans when necessary.
Responsibilities
Ensure the child’s safety and well-being through regular communication.
Help the child adapt, evaluate progress in development and treatment requirements, discuss upcoming changes, and prepare the child for transitions.
Arrange visits between children in care and their parents and other family members; actively monitor the visits and interactions between parents and children and offer necessary guidance, when applicable.
Attend Child Safety meetings and collaborate with Child Protective Services Workers and families to develop safety plans for children.
Provide case management services through referrals and regular contact with service providers for parents and children to coordinate services and assess progress.
Collaborate with parents and schools to evaluate the child’s academic progress and achievement of goals.
Communicate expectations, planned contacts and timelines with families.
Engage in preparation and presentation of cases in juvenile court hearings.
Minimum Qualifications
Degree must be completed, not in progress.
A bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a field related to human service.
A bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services plus:
One year of Human Services–related experience; or
Completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
An associate degree plus:
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.
Bilingual in English and Spanish (the job offer will be contingent upon passing test(s) evaluating proficiency in the bilingual requirements of the position).
Essential Attributes
Experience with navigating complex emotional situations using empathy, patience, and trauma-informed approaches.
Experience with organizing priorities, managing time effectively, and maintaining detailed records to support consistent follow-through.
Experience with communicating clearly and respectfully across diverse cultural and social backgrounds.
Experience with interpreting guidelines and applying them thoughtfully to meet individual needs and circumstances.
Experience with advocating for safety, permanency, and well‑being in ways that honor each person’s unique story and strengths.
Working Conditions
Work locations: offices, homes of participants, and community sites.
Hours: typical work schedule Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time; may include evenings, weekends, and compensated overtime.
On‑call: rotating on‑call schedule that includes evenings and weekends.
Travel: occasional travel for meetings, trainings, and other case‑related activities, including required occasional overnight travel.
Physical requirements: frequent physical activity, including lifting up to 50 pounds and assisting children with car seats.
Handling sensitive topics related to trauma, abuse, and crises, requiring a trauma‑informed approach.
Interaction with individuals who have experienced trauma and may have difficulty managing emotions.
Preparedness for stressful situations that require quick decision‑making to ensure safety for yourself and others.
Background Checks And Requirements
If selected as a finalist, a criminal history and background check will be conducted; adverse history may lead to disqualification.
Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship; within three days of hire, completion of the I‑9 form is required.
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 an acceptable driving record are required.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Initial Posting Date: 04/22/2026
Application Deadline: 05/06/2026
Agency: Department of Human Services
Salary Range: $4,954 - $7,592
Position Type: Employee
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.
Summary of Duties
As a Permanency Worker, you will be at the heart of our mission—connecting with families, navigating their unique stories, and helping create lasting change for Oregon's children and communities. Permanency caseworkers specialize in working with children, families, and resource parents to ensure children are safe in their homes, assuring a child’s physical, psychological, and social well‑being with the goal of reuniting families or finding alternate, permanent plans when necessary.
Responsibilities
Ensure the child’s safety and well-being through regular communication.
Help the child adapt, evaluate progress in development and treatment requirements, discuss upcoming changes, and prepare the child for transitions.
Arrange visits between children in care and their parents and other family members; actively monitor the visits and interactions between parents and children and offer necessary guidance, when applicable.
Attend Child Safety meetings and collaborate with Child Protective Services Workers and families to develop safety plans for children.
Provide case management services through referrals and regular contact with service providers for parents and children to coordinate services and assess progress.
Collaborate with parents and schools to evaluate the child’s academic progress and achievement of goals.
Communicate expectations, planned contacts and timelines with families.
Engage in preparation and presentation of cases in juvenile court hearings.
Minimum Qualifications
Degree must be completed, not in progress.
A bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a field related to human service.
A bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services plus:
One year of Human Services–related experience; or
Completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
An associate degree plus:
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.
Bilingual in English and Spanish (the job offer will be contingent upon passing test(s) evaluating proficiency in the bilingual requirements of the position).
Essential Attributes
Experience with navigating complex emotional situations using empathy, patience, and trauma-informed approaches.
Experience with organizing priorities, managing time effectively, and maintaining detailed records to support consistent follow-through.
Experience with communicating clearly and respectfully across diverse cultural and social backgrounds.
Experience with interpreting guidelines and applying them thoughtfully to meet individual needs and circumstances.
Experience with advocating for safety, permanency, and well‑being in ways that honor each person’s unique story and strengths.
Working Conditions
Work locations: offices, homes of participants, and community sites.
Hours: typical work schedule Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time; may include evenings, weekends, and compensated overtime.
On‑call: rotating on‑call schedule that includes evenings and weekends.
Travel: occasional travel for meetings, trainings, and other case‑related activities, including required occasional overnight travel.
Physical requirements: frequent physical activity, including lifting up to 50 pounds and assisting children with car seats.
Handling sensitive topics related to trauma, abuse, and crises, requiring a trauma‑informed approach.
Interaction with individuals who have experienced trauma and may have difficulty managing emotions.
Preparedness for stressful situations that require quick decision‑making to ensure safety for yourself and others.
Background Checks And Requirements
If selected as a finalist, a criminal history and background check will be conducted; adverse history may lead to disqualification.
Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship; within three days of hire, completion of the I‑9 form is required.
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 an acceptable driving record are required.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr