Social Service Specialist 1 (Permanency Caseworker)

Initial posting: 08/19/2026 • Application deadline: 08/26/2026 • Full-time, permanent position represented by SEIU.

About the role

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking compassionate individuals to join our Child Welfare team in Newport as Permanency Caseworkers (Social Service Specialist 1). In this role, you will make a meaningful difference in the lives of Oregon’s most vulnerable children and families, helping them achieve safety, well-being, and lasting positive change. Your work will support the Child Welfare Vision for Transformation, ensuring children and young adults experience less trauma and greater stability.

Responsibilities

• Support families in achieving their goals while ensuring child safety.
• Provide case management for diverse families, including collaboration with American Indian/Alaskan Native communities, tribal entities, and community partners.
• Engage with 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 with families to understand their dynamics and support their unique needs.
• Use case management systems, document management software, and electronic communication tools.

Requirements

Per ORS 419B.021, any position engaged in child protective investigations and/or custody determinations must meet the following educational requirements. Experience alone will not qualify.

• A completed bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field, or
• A completed 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 one of the following:
    • 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.

Qualifications

• Experience collaborating with others to make decisions, ensuring diverse perspectives are considered for the best outcomes for children and families.
• Experience building collaborative relationships with community partners, agency staff, clients, and affected communities.
• Experience conducting professional communications, both verbally and in writing, including case plans, court reports, assessments, and other related documents.
• Experience working with diverse populations and implementing trauma-informed practices that prioritize safety, build trust, and ensure cultural sensitivity.
• Experience with case management systems, document management software, and electronic communication tools.
• Experience providing services and resources to children and families within social services settings.

Working Conditions

• Work locations include offices, homes of participants, and community sites.
• Occasional travel for meetings, trainings, and case-related activities, including required overnight travel.
• Regular work week with fluctuating hours; occasional overtime, including evenings and weekends.
• Part of a 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, requiring a trauma-informed approach.
• Interaction with individuals who may have experienced trauma and may have difficulty managing their emotions.
• Stressful situations requiring quick decision-making to ensure safety for yourself and others.

Background Checks and Requirements

• Criminal history and background check required for finalists; adverse results may lead to disqualification.
• No visa sponsorship offered.
• Must complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form within three days of hire; E-Verify will confirm work authorization.
• Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint-based criminal records check.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record required.

Pay

Salary range: $5,298 – $8,121 per month.

Benefits

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities for 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.
• Veterans’ preference: 5% awarded for eligible candidates starting January 2026 (Form DA5016, DD214, or NGB22 required).