Initial Posting Date: 12/17/2024 Application Deadline: 01/01/2025 Agency: Department of Human Services Salary Range: 4536.00-6952.00 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Permanency Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1) Job Description: The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. Opportunity awaits! Imagine having an opportunity to build rapport with families, understand their uniqueness, and learn about how each family functions. As a Permanency Worker, you will have an opportunity to make a positive impact on Oregonians in need of support and resources. If you are looking to make a difference, this Permanency Worker position may be for you! Summary of Duties As an employee working within the Child Welfare Program, you will have an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Oregon's most vulnerable children and families. Your dedication will help us achieve the Child Welfare Vision for Transformation that will support children and young adults to be safer, healthier, experience less trauma and achieve a greater well-being. As a Permanency Worker, you will: * Play a crucial part in helping families achieve their goals while ensuring the safety and well-being of children. * Engage and build rapport with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers to foster safety, permanency, and positive outcomes for Oregon's families. * Design and implement strategies that capitalize on family strengths and address areas needing improvement. * Conduct home visits, perform risk and safety assessments, attend court hearings, and collaborate with families to create and execute comprehensive case plans. * Navigate legal requirements to balance the needs of children and families effectively. * Deliver culturally appropriate services that honor diversity in culture, language, national origin, socioeconomic status, race, age, disability, developmental stage, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other aspects of diversity. Minimum Qualifications A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record are required for this position. * A bachelor's degree in human services or a field related to human service, or * A bachelor's degree unrelated to Human Services and either: * One year of Human Services related experience, or * Completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency, or * An associate degree and either: * 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. Essential Attributes We are looking for candidates with: * Experience providing services and resources to children and families while working or volunteering in a social services-related field. * Experience conducting work that requires attention to detail, time management, and organization. * Experience working with diverse populations, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity. * Experience navigating and learning technology and various computer systems. * Knowledge of disproportionality in communities and experience committing to conducting work in an equitable, anti-racist, accessible, and trauma-informed manner. * Experience formulating documents or reports that include a conclusion and recommended action (examples: case plans, court reports, investigative reports), and demonstrated experience writing clearly and concisely with minimal spelling or grammar issues. Attention all candidates! Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history. Note: "The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification." Working Conditions * Your work will be conducted in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites. * Occasional travel is required for attending meetings, trainings, and other case related activities. * This position requires occasional overnight travel. * Employee will work a professional work week; hours of work may fluctuate based on service needs. Occasional, compensated overtime may be required, including evening and weekend work. * You may interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions. * You may encounter stressful situations that will require quick decision-making skills. Background Checks and Requirements * If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information. * The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. * Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint-based criminal records check. * A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record are required for this position. Benefits * ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning. * Cost of Living Adjustments. * Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range). * Amazing benefits package. * Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. * Note: this position will receive a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increase of 6.55% which is not reflected in the salary listed in this posting. The effective date of the increase is January 1, 2025, for February 1, 2025 paychecks. Employment Preference Veterans' preference: * Veterans' preference information. * How to submit your Veteran documents for preference. Please do not attach your Veterans' preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application. General Information * This is a permanent, full-time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). * This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification. 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 Amanda Alvarado. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-152655. * Email: AMANDA.K.ALVARADO@odhs.oregon.gov * Phone (call or text): 541-709-8695