Legal Finalization Worker | Social Service Specialist

Position Title

Legal Finalization Worker | Social Service Specialist 1

Department of Human Services

Employee

$4,954 - $7,592

Initial Posting Date: 05/21/2026

Final date to receive applications: 06/04/2026

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! Step into a meaningful role where you help children move from uncertainty to stability and permanency. As a Legal Finalization Worker, you’ll play a vital part in guiding families through the final steps of adoption and guardianship—moments that change lives forever.

We are currently seeking a Legal Finalization Worker (Social Service Specialist
1) to join our Child Welfare team based in Baker City. This role supports District 13 in rural Eastern Oregon, serving Baker, Union, and Wallowa Counties.

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 greater well‑being.

• Finalize guardianship and adoption cases once court approval or parental‑rights resolution is complete.
• Serve as a secondary worker, completing legal and administrative tasks that reduce time in care and support high‑quality permanency planning.
• Enter required information and documentation into OR‑Kids and ensure case records are complete.
• Review all case materials, including family history, legal parent information, medical and educational records, and ICWA/ORICWA details when applicable.
• Provide adoptive families with comprehensive information about the child and support them through the adoption process.
• Support guardianship resources by helping them access financial supports and fully understand their responsibilities.
• Contact relatives to determine willingness and suitability as guardians or adoptive resources.
• Track finalized cases to monitor progress toward state permanency timelines.
• Collaborate daily with primary caseworkers to support concurrent planning for adoption or guardianship.
• Attend court hearings, prepare case reports, present cases, and provide testimony as needed.
• Participate in CRB meetings and provide updates on case progress.
• Assist with monthly child visits as needed and help monitor child safety and well‑being.
• Communicate with Central Office and recruitment partners regarding adoption and guardianship needs.
• Attend permanency‑related meetings, unit meetings, and training sessions as assigned.
• Travel as necessary; use required computer systems including Microsoft Word, Excel, and OR‑Kids.

Per ORS 419B.021, any position engaged in child protective investigations and/or custody determinations must meet the educational requirements. Experience alone will not meet the minimum qualifications for those positions. Degree must be completed, not in progress.

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required.
• A bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field.
• OR a bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services and either:
• One year of Human Services related experience.
• Completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
• OR an associate degree and either:
• Two years of Human Services related experience.
• One year of Human Services related experience and related training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.

• Demonstrated ability to be self‑motivated and manage your time well.
• Demonstrated ability to…