Permanency Caseworker, Spanish​/English bilingual

We are seeking a Permanency Caseworker (Social Services Specialist
1) for our Portland office on N Webster Street!

Equal Pay Analysis page to learn more about how we evaluate employee compensation, and to access our Equal Pay Calculator.

Interested in learning more about this position? Attend one of our information sessions! The hiring manager, unit staff and recruiter will share information and answer questions. Please note, this information session is not part of the interview process. If you plan to attend and need an accommodation, please send requests in advance to alissa.walkergon.gov.

Friday, November 21st from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Pacific Time

Or, join by phone for audio only: , meeting  

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.

• Support families by playing a critical role in helping families achieve their goals while ensuring child safety.
• Provide case management by working with diverse families, including American Indian/Alaskan Native communities, collaborating with tribal entities and community partners.
• 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 by creating and implementing 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 addressing child safety issues.
• 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.

• A bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a field related to human services;
• OR
• A bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services AND either
• One (1) 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 (2) years of Human Services related experience; OR
• One (1) 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.

We are looking for candidates with:

• 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 proficient verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write in plain language and communicate clearly.
• Experience organizing tasks, prioritizing responsibilities, and managing time to meet deadlines. Experience should include computer proficiency.