Teen permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1

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)

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.

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.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

• Experience screening and assessing clients' needs to determine appropriate community and culturally responsive resources, as well as partnering agency programs or services.
• Experience preparing and maintaining thorough records, such as reports, narratives, and observations.
• Demonstrated understanding of working with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated experience to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. This includes experience in writing clearly and concisely using plain language appropriate for diverse audiences, conveying information with clarity, and tailoring communication style to suit different stakeholders.
• Experience collaborating with community partners as a member of a local multidisciplinary team.
• Experience organizing tasks, prioritizing responsibilities, and managing time to meet deadlines.
• Proficient in computer applications, including Microsoft Word or various database software programs.

Your work will be conducted in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites. Employee's work schedule will be Monday - Friday; hours may fluctuate based on service needs. Occasional compensated overtime during evening and weekend work may be required. This position will be required to participate in an on-call rotation for mandatory on call for after hours district wide permanency cases.

Frequent travel is required. Some travel may be hours away. Some travel may be in hazardous weather conditions. You may interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions. This role involves handling sensitive topics related to trauma, abuse, and crises, requiring a trauma-informed approach that is essential to ensure a safe…