Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist) Dallas - Bilingual Spanish Required

About the Role

The Oregon Department of Human Services is hiring a Permanency Worker (Social Services Specialist 1) in the Dallas branch to safeguard children and strengthen families. The position is permanent, full‑time, and represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Candidates must be bilingual in English and Spanish; a 5% bilingual differential pay is awarded after passing proficiency tests.

Responsibilities

• Support families in achieving their goals while ensuring child safety.
• Provide case management for diverse families, collaborating with community partners, tribal entities, and Spanish‑speaking communities.
• Engage children, families, resource parents, and caregivers using a trauma‑informed and antiracist approach to achieve safety and optimal outcomes.
• Develop and implement strategies that leverage family strengths and address areas needing improvement.
• Conduct home visits, complete legal documentation, attend court hearings, and address child safety issues.
• Balance the needs of the child and family while adhering to legal requirements.
• Build rapport and establish meaningful relationships with families to understand their dynamics and support their unique needs.

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field; or a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field plus one year of human services experience, or completion of coursework equivalent to Oregon Caseworker Competency certification.
• Associate degree plus two years of human services experience; or one year of human services experience with related training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, demonstrated by passing speaking and writing tests.

Essential Attributes

• Knowledge of child development, crisis intervention, conflict resolution, behavior management, and trauma impact.
• Critical thinking skills to make quick decisions while maintaining a professional and collaborative posture.
• Strong oral and written communication skills for articulating observations.
• Experience mentoring and engaging with families to identify and implement strategies for successful client engagement.

Working Conditions

• Work locations include offices, participants’ homes, and community sites.
• Occasional travel for meetings, trainings, and case‑related activities, including required overnight travel.
• Regular work week with fluctuating hours; occasional overtime, evenings, and weekends.
• Rotating on‑call schedule that includes evenings and weekends.
• Frequent physical activity, including lifting up to 50 pounds and assisting children with car seats.
• Handling sensitive topics related to trauma, abuse, and crises; requires a trauma‑informed approach.

Background Checks

Selected finalists will undergo a criminal history and background check. Adverse findings may lead to disqualification. The agency does not offer visa sponsorship; new hires must complete the I‑9 form and be verified through E‑Verify within three days of hire.

Benefits

• Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
• Cost‑of‑living adjustments.
• Annual salary increases until reaching the top of the listed salary range.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Veterans’ preference; instructions for submitting preference documentation are provided separately.

Pay

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

Schedule

• Regular work week with fluctuating hours.
• Occasional overtime, evenings, and weekends.
• Rotating on‑call schedule that includes evenings and weekends.

Contact Information

Recruiter: Greg Azure
Email: gregory.p.azure@odhs.oregon.gov
Phone (call or text): 503‑509‑6443