Temporary Lodging Assistant (Social Service Assistant), Limited Duration, Multiple Positions (West Portland)

Initial posting date: 08/11/2026. Application deadline: 08/18/2026. Multiple limited-duration positions available in West Portland (Alberta Branch and Midtown locations) through 6/30/2027.

About the role

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking Temporary Lodging Assistants to support the Child Welfare Program. In this role, you will help ensure families can spend quality time together while providing 24/7 supervision and care for children in temporary lodging. Your work will contribute to the Child Welfare Vision for Transformation, promoting safety, health, and well-being for Oregon’s most vulnerable children and young adults.

Responsibilities

• Provide backup support to Family Time Social Service Assistants (SSAs) and Case Aids, including one-off assignments based on daily needs.
• Offer 24/7 supervision for children in temporary lodging, including daytime, overnight coverage, and transport to various destinations (e.g., teen transport).
• Serve as Team Lead for General Temporary Lodging Assistants across multiple locations, managing scheduling and coordination with Team Leads.
• Support in-home safety plans by documenting details, engaging with families, and reporting concerns promptly.
• Transport children to appointments, foster care visits, guardianship, pre-adoptive home visits, or inter-/intrastate returns to legal jurisdiction.
• Maintain care for children’s hygiene, basic needs, school attendance, and transportation.
• Treat children and families with compassion, dignity, and respect.
• Prepare notes for court testimony and provide verbal or written feedback to service workers.
• Conduct office sit-ins with youth, regular site visits, and field-based support as required.

Requirements

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• One year of experience in a human services or behavioral health setting OR an associate degree in any field OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills

• Experience providing administrative support, including scheduling, correspondence, and record-keeping.
• Ability to document observations and client case details accurately.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices and their application in client interactions.
• Strong communication skills for collaborating with diverse populations in a culturally sensitive manner.
• Experience working with children and families from varied backgrounds, demonstrating intercultural competency.
• Physical ability to perform tasks such as climbing stairs, walking on uneven terrain, assisting with car seats, and lifting up to 40 pounds.

Working Conditions

• Work environments include offices, participants' homes, and community sites.
• Occasional travel for meetings, trainings, and case-related activities, including hazardous weather conditions.
• Schedule options:
  • Option A: Wednesday–Saturday, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM
  • Option B: Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
  • Option C: Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
  • Option D: No preference (hours may fluctuate based on service needs)
• Occasional overtime, including evenings and weekends, may be required.
• Interaction with individuals who may have experienced trauma and exhibit emotional challenges.
• Stressful situations requiring quick decision-making.

Background Checks

• Criminal history and background checks will be conducted for finalists; adverse results may disqualify candidates.
• FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) fingerprint-based criminal records check required.
• U.S. work authorization required (E-Verify will be used).
• No visa sponsorship offered.

Benefits

• Eligibility for health benefits, leave accrual, and union representation (Service Employees International Union - SEIU).
• Employee Resource Groups 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.

Pay

Salary range: $4,124.00–$5,714.00 per month.