Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) Bilingual English & Spanish Required

About the role

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking a bilingual Social Service Specialist 1 to join our team. This position requires fluency in both English and Spanish and is part of the Permanency Worker role.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and assess safety, well-being, and development of children in care.
• Facilitate and observe parent–child visits, provide coaching, and arrange transportation.
• Maintain regular contact with families and partners while developing and updating safety and service plans.
• Collaborate with caregivers, schools, service providers, and DHS partners to support child stability and permanency.
• Keep accurate case records, including assessments, plans, and required documentation.
• Prepare reports, make recommendations, and participate in court hearings and review boards.

Requirements

• A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field, or a bachelor’s degree unrelated to human services with one year of relevant experience.
• Associate degree and two years of relevant experience, or an associate degree and one year of relevant experience and related training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.

Qualifications

• Experience working independently and in a team setting.
• Experience organizing work, managing time, and meeting deadlines.
• Experience writing clear and concise information with minimal errors.
• Experience using Microsoft Word and Excel for daily tasks.
• Experience working respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds using a culturally informed approach.
• Experience evaluating issues and resolving conflicts through clear communication and structured problem-solving.
• Experience managing workload and de-escalating challenging situations in a high-pressure, fast-paced setting.

Skills

• Ability to manage workload and de-escalate challenging situations in a high-pressure, fast-paced setting.
• Ability to work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds using a culturally informed approach.
• Ability to evaluate issues and resolve conflicts through clear communication and structured problem-solving.
• Ability to write clear and concise information with minimal errors.
• Ability to organize work, manage time, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to use Microsoft Word and Excel for daily tasks.
• Ability to maintain accurate case records and prepare reports.
• Ability to collaborate with caregivers, schools, service providers, and DHS partners.
• Ability to facilitate and observe parent–child visits, provide coaching, and arrange transportation.
• Ability to coordinate services, make referrals, and track progress for children and families.
• Ability to monitor and assess safety, well-being, and development of children in care.
• Ability to prepare reports, make recommendations, and participate in court hearings and review boards.

Benefits

• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
• Awesome benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Pay

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

Schedule

Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm PT, with possible fluctuations based on service needs.