Legal Finalization Worker | Social Service Specialist 1

About the role

The Oregon Department of Human Services seeks a Legal Finalization Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) to support child welfare efforts in Baker, Union, and Wallowa counties. The role supports District 13 and requires travel between Baker City and La Grande.

Responsibilities

• Support offices in the district, working in Baker, Union and Wallowa Counties.
• Finalize guardianship and adoption cases once court approval or parental-rights resolution is complete.
• Serve as a secondary worker, completing legal and administrative tasks that reduce time in care and support high-quality permanency planning.
• Enter required information and documentation into OR-Kids and ensure case records are complete.
• Review all case materials, including family history, legal parent information, medical and educational records, and ICWA/ORICWA details when applicable.
• Provide adoptive families with comprehensive information about the child and support them through the adoption process.
• Support guardianship resources by helping them access financial supports and fully understand their responsibilities.
• Track finalized cases to monitor progress toward state permanency timelines.
• Collaborate daily with primary caseworkers to support concurrent planning for adoption or guardianship.
• Attend court hearings, prepare case reports, present cases, and provide testimony as needed.
• Participate in CRB meetings and provide updates on case progress.
• Assist with monthly child visits as needed and help monitor child safety and well-being.
• Communicate with Central Office and recruitment partners regarding adoption and guardianship needs.
• Attend permanency-related meetings, unit meetings, and training sessions as assigned.
• Travel is necessary; use required computer systems including Microsoft Word, Excel, and OR-Kids.

Requirements

• Per ORS 419B.021, states that any position engaged in child protective investigations and/or custody determinations must meet the educational requirements.
• 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.
• 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

• Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated and manage your time well.
• Demonstrated ability to use trauma-informed practices that are sensitive to the child and family’s lived experience, language, race, and culture.
• Demonstrated excellent written communication skills, including the ability to write in plain language with minimal spelling and grammar issues.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively engage with families under challenging and time-sensitive circumstances.
• Experienced being a reliable resource for others and delivering high-quality work in a timely manner.
• Demonstrated ability to be an active listener and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field, OR bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services with relevant experience.
• Experience: At least one year of Human Services related experience, or completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
• Education: Associate degree and at least one year of Human Services related experience, or one year of Human Services related experience and related training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.

Skills

• Excellent written communication skills.
• Ability to use trauma-informed practices.
• Effective engagement with families under challenging circumstances.
• Reliable resource for others.
• Active listening and managing emotions.

Benefits

• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
• Awarded candidate preference for eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility.

Pay

$4,954 - $7,592 per month.

Schedule

Monday - Friday; 8am-5pm, with occasional compensated overtime during evening and weekend work. This role involves participation in an on-call rotation for mandatory on-call for child protective services. Frequent travel is required. Some travel may be hours away and in hazardous weather conditions.