Initial Posting Date: 12/16/2024 Application Deadline: 12/30/2024 Agency: Department of Human Services Salary Range: $4,536 - $6,952 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Generalist 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! Become a Generalist Caseworker in Child Welfare and help families while ensuring the safety of children! In this important role, you'll protect children, support families in crisis, and work to create stability. You'll conduct assessments, develop strategies, and connect families with the resources they need. By working with schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations, you'll help families build the skills to thrive. If you're passionate about making a difference, join our team and be a source of hope for children and families. We are seeking a Generalist Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1) to join our Child Welfare team in Newport. * 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. Summary of Duties As a Generalist Caseworker, you will: * Perform the work of a Child Protective Services (CPS) Worker, Permanency Worker, and a Resource Home Certifier. * Conduct child safety assessments of alleged child abuse or neglect to determine if a child has been or is at risk of being harmed. * Engage with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers in a multitude of ways to achieve safety, permanency and well-being of children. * Identify and seek relative caregivers, resource parents, and adoptive parents. Minimum Qualifications 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: 1) One year of Human Services related experience; OR 2) Completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency; OR An associate degree and either: 1) Two years of Human Services related experience; OR 2) 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 with conflict resolution or crisis intervention techniques. * Experience with conducting investigations or reviews to ensure compliance with standards, regulations, or laws. * Experience with engaging children and families in time-sensitive and challenging situations. * Experience with writing reports, such as case plans, court reports, and investigative reports, including conclusions and recommendations. * Experience with working independently and collaboratively as part of a team. * Experience with working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, demonstrating cultural competence. Attention all candidates! A cover letter is required. 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 * Work Locations: Offices, homes of participants, and community sites. * Travel: Occasional travel for meetings, trainings, and other case related activities. This includes required occasional overnight travel. * Hours: Regular work week with fluctuating hours; occasional overtime may be needed, including evenings and weekends. * On-Call: You'll be part of a rotating on-call schedule that includes evenings and weekends. * Physical Requirements: Frequent physical activity, including lifting up to 50 pounds and assisting children with car seats. * This role involves handling sensitive topics related to trauma, abuse, and crises, requiring a trauma-informed approach that is essential to ensure a safe environment. * You may interact with individuals who have experienced trauma and may have difficulty managing their emotions. * Be prepared for stressful situations that require quick decision-making to ensure safety for yourself and others. 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. 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 Nadja Rue. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-170788.