Teen permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

About the role

The Oregon Department of Human Services seeks a Teen Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) to join our Child Welfare team in Gresham. This role supports the well-being of Oregon’s most vulnerable children and families.

Responsibilities

• Work with teenaged youth facing various issues, including commercial and sexual exploitation.
• Support families by helping them achieve their goals while ensuring child safety.
• Engage effectively with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers using a trauma-informed and antiracist approach.
• Develop strategies that leverage family strengths and address areas needing improvement.
• Handle documentation and legal duties, including conducting home visits, completing legal documentation, attending court hearings, and ensuring child safety.
• 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.

Requirements

• Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field, or a bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services with relevant experience.
• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required.
• Experience screening and assessing clients’ needs, preparing and maintaining thorough records, and communicating effectively with diverse audiences.
• Experience collaborating with community partners and organizing tasks to meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Word or various database software programs.

Essential Attributes

• Experience working with diverse populations and communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated understanding of working with traumatized individuals and crisis situations.
• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to handle sensitive topics related to trauma, abuse, and crises with a trauma-informed approach.

Benefits

• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Annual salary increases until reaching the top of the listed salary range.
• Awesome benefits package.
• Possibility of eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Contact Information

We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions, or job-specific questions. The recruiter for this position is Sugei Hernandez. Please include the REQ# when corresponding. Email: Sugei.Hernandez@odhs.oregon.gov