Permanency Worker; Social Service Specialist

Initial Posting Date: 09/14/2026 Final date to receive applications: 09/28/2026 Agency:
Department of Human Services Salary Range: $4,954 - $7,592 Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:

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 seeking to fill this position in our North Bend Child Welfare office.

North Bend is located on the southern Oregon Coast (not in Central Oregon). Understanding North Bend, Oregon:
The city of North Bend is located along the beautiful southern Oregon coast. North Bend is home to the towering 500-foot sand dunes of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, historic McCullough Memorial Bridge, beautiful Horsfall Beach and plenty of quaint shops, antique stores and restaurants. Adventures of all kinds await in North Bend! North Bend on Travel Oregon - learn what North Bend has to offer!

Find an ODHS office - understand where North Bend is located. Mileage and driving distance calculator – calculate your commute.

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 Permanency Worker, you will:

• Monitor and assess safety, well-being, and development of children in substitute care, and support transitions such as returning home or adoption.
• Facilitate and observe parent–child visits, provide coaching, and arrange transportation.
• Collaborate with caregivers, parents, extended family, schools, and community partners to develop and implement individualized case plans that support child stability, safety, and permanency.
• Coordinate and monitor services such as visitation, medical care, mental health treatment, education, and placement to support family progress and meet each child’s unique needs.
• Develop trusting, professional relationships with families and resource parents by providing guidance, assessing progress, and maintaining clear communication, ensuring shared understanding of treatment needs and case plans to promote safety and stability for children.
• Prepare and maintain thorough case documentation in alignment with policy and law, and participate in court, Citizen Review Board reviews, safety meetings, and other case‑planning activities by providing clear communication, testimony, and recommendations.

Interested in learning more? Here are some testimonials from current ODHS Workers and an informational session regarding these positions:

• 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…