Permanency Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1

Initial posting date: 10/22/2026. Application deadline: 10/29/2026. Agency: Oregon Department of Human Services. Position type: Permanent, full-time, represented by SEIU. Requisition: REQ-208540.

About the role

Step into a transformative role where your passion for the well-being of children and your ability to connect with families come together to create lasting change. Become a catalyst for positive impact in the lives of Oregon’s children and their loved ones. This Permanency Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1) position is based at the Midtown Office. The permanent assigned location is 815 NE Davis Street in Portland; however, this building is currently inaccessible and expected to remain unavailable for several months. Until the permanent site reopens, all Midtown staff, including this position, will report to the temporary Midtown location at 6035 NE 78th Court in Portland.

Responsibilities

• Support families by playing a critical role in helping families achieve their goals while ensuring child safety.
• Provide case management by working with diverse families, including American Indian/Alaskan Native communities, collaborating with tribal entities and community partners.
• Engage effectively by interacting with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers using a trauma-informed and antiracist approach to achieve safety and optimal outcomes.
• Develop strategies by creating and implementing strategies that leverage family strengths and address areas needing improvement.
• Handle documentation and legal duties by conducting home visits, completing legal documentation, attending court hearings, and addressing child safety issues.
• Balance needs and legal requirements by ensuring a balance between the needs of the child and family while adhering to legal requirements.
• Build rapport by establishing meaningful relationships with families to understand their dynamics and supporting their unique needs.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications (per ORS 419B.021): Any position engaged in child protective investigations and/or custody determinations must meet the educational requirements; experience alone will not meet the minimum qualifications. Degree must be completed, not in progress. A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required.

• A bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a field related to Human Services; 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:

• Experience screening and assessing clients’ needs to determine appropriate community and culturally responsive resources, as well as partnering agency programs or services.
• Experience preparing and maintaining thorough records, such as reports, narratives, and observations.
• Demonstrated understanding of working with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated experience communicating effectively both verbally and in writing, including writing clearly and concisely using plain language appropriate for diverse audiences, conveying information with clarity, and tailoring communication style to suit different stakeholders.
• Experience organizing tasks, prioritizing responsibilities, and managing time to meet deadlines.
• Proficient in computer applications, including Microsoft Word or various database software programs.

Working conditions

Work is conducted in offices, participants' homes, and other community sites. Frequent travel is required; some travel may be hours away and may occur in hazardous weather conditions. You may interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions. This role involves handling sensitive topics related to trauma, abuse, and crises, requiring a trauma-informed approach that is essential to ensure a safe environment.

Schedule

Employee’s work schedule will be Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; hours may fluctuate based on service needs. Occasional compensated overtime during evening and weekend work may be required. On-call coverage is required after hours as needed, with occasional compensated overtime during evenings and weekends.

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.

Pay

Salary range: $4,954.00 – $7,592.00 USD monthly (non-PERS). If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.

Background checks & requirements

• The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship.
• Within three days of hire, you must complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS uses E-Verify to confirm work authorization.
• If selected as a finalist, a criminal history and background check will be conducted; adverse results may lead to disqualification.
• Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint-based criminal records check.