Social Service Specialist 1 (Permanency Caseworker

Initial Posting Date: 08/19/2026

Final date to receive applications: 08/26/2026

Agency:
Department of Human Services

Salary Range: $5,298 - $8,121

Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:

Social Service Specialist 1 (Permanency Caseworker)

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! Ready to turn your passion for safeguarding children and strengthening families into a rewarding career? Look no further! The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking compassionate individuals to join our team and help us create lasting, positive transformations in the lives of Oregon's most vulnerable children and families. Join us as a Permanency Worker and be the bridge that connects families, understanding their dynamics and making a lasting impact on those in need in Oregon!

If you are looking to make a difference, this Permanency Worker position may be for you! We are seeking multiple Permanency Caseworkers (Social Service Specialist
1) to join our Child Welfare team in Newport. Together, we can make a lasting impact!

• Support Families:
  Play a critical role in helping families achieve their goals while ensuring child safety.
• Case Management:
  Work with diverse families, may include American Indian/Alaskan Native communities, collaborating with tribal entities and community partners.
• Engage Effectively:
  Interact with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers using a trauma-informed and antiracist approach to achieve safety and optimal outcomes.
• Develop Strategies:
  Create and implement strategies that leverage family strengths and address areas needing improvement.
• Handle Documentation and Legal Duties:
  Conduct home visits, complete legal documentation, attend court hearings, and address child safety issues.
• Balance Needs and Legal Requirements:
  Ensure a balance between the needs of the child and family while adhering to legal requirements.
• Build Rapport:
  Establish meaningful relationships with families to understand their dynamics and support their unique needs.

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 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.

• Demonstrates a high level of comfort in collaborating with others to make decisions, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered, and the best possible outcomes are achieved for children and families.
• Experience in building collaborative relationships with community partners, agency staff, clients, and affected communities.
• Experience conducting professional communications, both verbally and in writing, including case plans, court reports, assessments, and other related documents.
• Experience working with diverse populations and implementing trauma-informed practices that address individual needs, prioritize safety, build trust, and ensure cultural sensitivity.
• Experience with case management systems, document management software, and electronic communication tools.
• Experience providing services and resources to children and families within social…