Legal Finalization Worker | Social Service Specialist

Position Title

Legal Finalization Worker | Social Service Specialist 1

• Initial Posting Date: 07/15/2026
• Final date to receive applications: 07/29/2026

Department of Human Services

$4,954 - $7,592

Employee

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 groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

Step into a meaningful role where you help children move from uncertainty to stability and permanency. As a Legal Finalization Worker, you’ll play a vital part in guiding families through the final steps of adoption and guardianship—moments that change lives forever.

We are seeking a Legal Finalization Worker (Social Service Specialist
1) to join our Child Welfare team in either the Baker City or La Grande office. The assigned duty station will be determined based on the selected candidate’s home location and will support District 13, serving Baker, Union, and Wallowa counties.

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, supporting children and young adults to be safer, healthier, experience less trauma and achieve greater well-being.

• Support offices in the district, working in Baker, Union and Wallowa Counties.
• Finalize guardianship and adoption cases once court approval or parental–rights resolution is complete.
• Serve as a secondary worker, completing legal and administrative tasks that reduce time in care and support high‑quality permanency planning.
• Enter required information and documentation into OR‑Kids and ensure case records are complete.
• Review all case materials, including family history, legal parent information, medical and educational records, and ICWA/ORICWA details when applicable.
• Provide adoptive families with comprehensive information about the child and support them through the adoption process.
• Support guardianship resources by helping them access financial supports and fully understand their responsibilities.
• Contact relatives to determine willingness and suitability as guardians or adoptive resources.
• Track finalized cases to monitor progress toward state permanency timelines.
• Collaborate daily with primary caseworkers to support concurrent planning for adoption or guardianship.
• Attend court hearings, prepare case reports, present cases, and provide testimony as needed.
• Participate in CRB meetings and provide updates on case progress.
• Assist with monthly child visits as needed and help monitor child safety and well‑being.
• Communicate with Central Office and recruitment partners regarding adoption and guardianship needs.
• Attend permanency–related meetings, unit meetings, and training sessions as assigned.
• Travel is necessary; use required computer systems including Microsoft Word, Excel, and OR‑Kids.

Per ORS 419B.021, this position requires a completed bachelor’s or associate degree and relevant experience as specified:

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• 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.
  • Completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
• OR an associate degree and either:
  • Two years of Human Services related experience.
  • One year of Human Services related experience and related training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.

• Self‑motivated and able to manage time effectively.
• Capable of using trauma‑informed practices that are sensitive to the child and…