Address
Form of work
SalaryInitial Posting Date:
03/07/2024 Application Deadline:
03/31/2024 Agency:
Department of Human Services Salary Range:
$4,536 - $6,952 Position Type:
Employee Position Title:
Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) Job Description:
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are actively working to build an equitable agency with the
Equity North Star
as our guide toward our vision of an agency free of racism, discrimination and bias. We believe that teams in which everyone can show up as their full authentic self are key to creating a thriving workforce that can better serve communities. We welcome members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to apply. Imagine having an opportunity to build rapport with families, understand their uniqueness, and learn about how each family functions. As a Permanency Worker, you will have an opportunity to make a positive impact on Oregonians in need of support and resources. If you are looking to make a difference, this Permanency Worker position may be for you!
Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), a place to belong and make a difference!
- When you join theODHS, you join a community of over 10,000 employees dedicated to serving and helping Oregonians achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice, and preserve dignity.
- Connect with ODHSEmployee Resource Groups (ERGs)and find a place to belong, build community and participate in shared learning. ERGs are employee-driven committees that support each other as well as the ODHS’ overall mission and vision.
- We are committed to building an antiracist and equitable agency. Equity is foundational to our role as a human services agency, and we are committed to integrating equity into all we do.The Equity North Starhas four points that explain the agency's goals related to equity, inclusion, and racial justice.
- We know that life is unpredictable and ODHS cares about keeping you well. Enjoy a work-life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, andcompetitive benefits packagesincluding health, dental, vision and much more!
What will you be doing?
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:
- Play a critical role in helping families achieve their goals while also ensuring the safety and well-being of children.
- Engage with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers in a multitude of ways to achieve the safety, permanency, and optimal outcomes for Oregon’s children and families.
- Develop and implement multi-level strategies that build on family strengths and address areas of improvement.
- Conduct home visits, write reports, attend court hearings, and problem-solve minor crises to major child safety issues.
- Play an imperative role in balancing the needs of the child and the family in conjunction with legal requirements.
- Have a unique opportunity to build rapport with families, understand their uniqueness, and learn more about how each family functions.
What you need to qualify
- 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 training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
Essential attributes
We are looking for candidates with experience:
- Experience being self-motivated, proactive, and committed to taking initiative.
- Experience and knowledge of trauma-informed care practices.
- Experience writing clearly, concisely (in plain language), and thoroughly with minimal spelling or grammar issues.
- Experience giving verbal presentations that were well-received and understandable to the audience.
- Experience setting boundaries, participating in self-observation, and prioritizing self-care to maintain work-life balance promoting your well-being.
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills that include making sound judgements, identifying successful solutions, and providing recommendations for successful outcomes.
- Experience practicing active listening to understand someone’s values, needs, desires, and even their trauma responses, while managing one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others.
Please be sure to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and the essential attributes within your application materials. These two areas will be used to determine which candidates will be selected to move forward in the process. Make sure to read the ‘How to Apply’ section for any other requirements.
Working conditions
- Your work will be conducted in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites.
- Occasional travel is required for attending meetings, trainings, and other case related activities.
- This position requires occasional overnight travel. Some travel may be in hazardous weather conditions.
- Employee will work a professional work week; hours of work may fluctuate based on service needs. Occasional, compensated overtime may be required, including evening and weekend work.
- You may interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions.
- You may encounter stressful situations that will require quick decision-making skills.
- This position requires frequent activity including, climbing stairs, walking on uneven terrain, assisting children into and out of car seats, this may include lifting, up to 40 pounds.
Application instructions & requirements
Your work history profile and resume are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and demonstrate your skills, lived and/or work experience that shows you are an excellent candidate for the position.
- Please upload a resume or complete the work history profile. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
- Current State of Oregon employees: Apply via your employee Workday account.
- If you are not a current State of Oregon employee, view thisapplication instructional video.
- After you submit your application, you will have additional tasks to complete in Workday. Please continue to check your Workday account throughout the recruitment process.
Additional requirements
- Finalists for this position will be subject to a computerized criminal history and abuse check. Adverse background information will be reviewed and could result in withdrawal of a conditional job offer or termination of employment.
- The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.
- A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required.
Helpful information
- This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
- This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.
- Have questions about Workday, and want some tips on understanding the state application process? Check out ourOregon job opportunities page.
- If you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, have questions or need assistance with the application process, please contact Amanda Alvarado via email atamanda.k.alvarado@odhs.oregon.govor call 541-709-8695. Please be sure to include the job requisition number.
