Permanency Worker; Social Service Specialist

Initial Posting Date: 08/31/2026

Final date to receive applications: 09/14/2026

Agency:
Department of Human Services

Salary Range: $4,954.00 - $7,592.00 USD Monthly

Position Type:
Employee

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! Help shape brighter, more secure futures for children in Oregon.

As a Permanency Worker, you will engage with families and build meaningful connections that deepen your understanding of their strengths, individuality, and needs, supporting them as they move toward safety and stability.

We are seeking to fill multiple Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist
1) positions in our Klamath Falls office, located on 355 Timbermill Dr.

Monitor and assess safety, well-being, and development of children in care, and support transitions such as returning home or adoption. Facilitate and observe parent-child visits, provide coaching, and arrange transportation. Maintain regular contact with families and partners while developing and updating safety and service plans. Coordinate services, make referrals, and track progress for children and families. Keep accurate case records, including assessments, plans, and required documentation within timelines.

Prepare reports, make recommendations, participate in court hearings and review boards. Collaborate with caregivers, schools, service providers, and DHS partners to support child stability and permanency.

• 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.

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 managing workload with consistent follow-through.
• Experience reviewing work for completeness, accuracy, and alignment with policy.
• Experience engaging children and families to support safety, stability, and well-being.
• Experience applying critical thinking to analyze issues and develop solutions.
• Experience of collaborating with service providers, community partners, and internal teams.
• Experience communicating with respect, cultural awareness, and trauma-informed practices.

• Work will take place in offices, participants’ homes, and various community locations.
• The office is constructed of cubicles, so work is often interrupted, and noise levels are sometimes high.
• Frequent travel is required for transporting children or families and completing case-related activities. This includes required occasional overnight travel.
• The work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm PT. There may be occasional requirements for compensated overtime, including evening and weekend hours.
• The employee will participate in a rotating on-call schedule that includes evening and weekend work.
• You may interact with individuals experiencing trauma or emotional distress, and there may be times when individuals have difficulty managing their emotional responses.
• You may encounter situations requiring quick decision-making to ensure your safety or the safety of others.
• Activities…