Child Welfare Case Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) Bilingual Preferred English​/Spanish

Child Welfare Case Worker (Social Service Specialist
1) Bilingual Preferred English/Spanish

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.

Bilingual Preferred – English & Spanish

You do not need to be bilingual to apply for or be considered for this position. If you are bilingual, we encourage you to apply! We serve diverse communities and recognize the importance of serving people in their preferred language. If interested in using your bilingual language skills, upon passing the test, you will receive 5% bilingual differential pay.

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 currently seeking to fill TWO (2) openings, a Permanency Worker and a Combined Permanency/Child Protective Service Worker (Social Service Specialist
1) to join our Child Welfare team and work in The Dalles office.

Summary of Duties

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:

• 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.

As a Combined Permanency & Child Protective Services (CPS) Worker, you will also:

• Respond to referrals and determine whether child abuse or neglect has occurred.
• Gather information through interviews with parents and children.
• Observe and analyze the safety of home environments.
• Gather collateral information from school personnel, doctors, therapists, and law enforcement officers.
• Fulfill documentation requirements and enter info into databases.
• Arrange medical evaluations and substitute care placement for children.
• Present and testify in court.

Interested in learning more? Here are some testimonials from current ODHS Workers.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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…