Teen permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1

Position: Teen permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)
## Teen permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist
1)
Apply locations:
Gresham | DHStime type:
Full time posted on:
Posted Todayjob requisition :
REQ-203558
** Initial Posting Date:
** 07/27/2026
** Final date to receive applications:
** 08/03/2026
** Agency:
** Department of Human Services
** Salary Range:**$4,954 - $7,592
** Position Type:
** Employee
*
* Position Title:

** Teen permanency Worker (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!
** Step into a transformative role where your passion for the well-being of children and your ability to connect with families come together to create lasting change. Become a catalyst for positive impact in the lives of Oregon’s children and their loved ones. Are you ready to unlock the potential within every family—and make a real difference?

We are currently seeking a
** Teen Permanency Worker** **(Social Service Specialists
1)
** to join our Child Welfare team based in our
** Gresham
* * office.
** 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
** Teen Permanency Worker**, you will:
* Work with teenaged youth that are dealing with a variety of issues. The caseload will be a combination of regular teen permanency cases and teens experiencing or at risk of being commercially and/or sexually exploited.
* Support families by playing a critical role in helping families achieve their goals while ensuring child safety.
* Engage effectively by interacting with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers using a trauma-informed and antiracist approach to achieve safety and optimal outcomes.
* Developing strategies that leverage family strengths and address areas needing improvement.
* Handling documentation and legal duties by conducting home visits, completing legal documentation, attending court hearings, and ensuring child safety.
* Balancing needs and legal requirements by ensuring a balance between the needs of the child and family while adhering to legal requirements.
* Building rapport by establishing meaningful relationships with families to understand their dynamics and supporting their unique needs.

Interested in learning more? Here are some testimonials from current ODHS Workers.
** Minimum Qualifications
** Per pursuant to ORS 419B.021, states that 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 for this position.
** And
* ** 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 screening and assessing clients’ needs to determine appropriate community and culturally responsive…