Permanency Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1) | Bilingual English/Spanish required

About the Role

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking a Permanency Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1) | Bilingual English/Spanish required to join the Child Welfare team in Hillsboro. This position is at the heart of our mission to protect children and empower families, ensuring children are safe in their homes while promoting their physical, psychological, and social well-being. The role focuses on reuniting families or finding alternate, permanent plans when necessary.

This position is bilingual and requires duties to be carried out in both English and Spanish. The job offer will be contingent upon passing proficiency tests in both languages. A 5% differential pay may be awarded based on passing the required language test.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the child’s safety and well-being through regular communication, including evaluating progress in development and treatment requirements.
• Arrange and monitor visits between children in care and their parents or family members, offering guidance as needed.
• Attend Child Safety meetings and collaborate with Child Protective Services Workers and families to develop safety plans.
• Provide case management services, including referrals and coordination with service providers to 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 in community and home settings.
• Engage in preparation and presentation of cases in juvenile court hearings.
• Provide time-limited case management and intervention services to children in substitute care or safely in their own homes.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field; OR
• A bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field AND one of the following:
  • 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.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish (proficiency testing required).
• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

Essential Attributes

• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and with community partners to achieve positive outcomes.
• Strong written, verbal, and electronic communication skills, including proficiency with case management systems and document management software.
• Experience advocating for safety, permanency, and well-being while honoring diverse identities and cultural histories.
• Curiosity, humility, and willingness to learn from people with diverse lived experiences.
• Experience identifying problems and solutions through a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach.
• Experience in social services, providing resources and support to children and families.

Working Conditions

• Work Locations: Offices, participants' homes, and community sites.
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, with fluctuations to meet service needs, including evenings, weekends, and compensated overtime.
• On-Call: Rotating schedule, including evenings and weekends.
• Travel: Occasional travel for meetings, training, and case-related activities, including overnight stays.
• Physical Requirements: Frequent physical activity, including lifting up to 50 pounds and assisting with car seats.
• Emotional Demands: Handling sensitive topics related to trauma, abuse, and crises; interacting with individuals who may have difficulty managing emotions; and making quick decisions in stressful situations.

Background Checks and Requirements

• Criminal history and background check required for finalists; adverse results may lead to disqualification.
• FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) fingerprint-based criminal records check required.
• Completion of the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form within three days of hire to confirm work authorization (E-Verify used).
• No visa sponsorship offered.

Benefits

• Employee Resource Groups promoting shared learning.
• Cost of Living Adjustments and annual salary increases (until reaching the top of the salary range).
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Employment preference for eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers.

Pay

Salary range: $4,954 – $7,592 per month.

Schedule

This is a permanent, full-time position represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).