Permanency Worker; Social Service Specialist Bilingual English​/Spanish

Position Title

Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist
1) Bilingual Preferred English/Spanish

09/21/2026

10/04/2026

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 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.

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.

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 a Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist
1) to join our Child Welfare team and work in The Dalles office.

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.

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 valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position. And
• 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…