Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

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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 seeking to fill this position in our North Bend Child Welfare office.  North Bend is located on the southern Oregon Coast (not in Central Oregon).

The city of North Bend is located along the beautiful southern Oregon coast. North Bend is home to the towering 500-foot sand dunes of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, historic McCullough Memorial Bridge, beautiful Horsfall Beach and plenty of quaint shops, antique stores and restaurants. Adventures of all kinds await in North Bend! 

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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: 

• Monitor and assess safety, well-being, and development of children in substitute care, and support transitions such as returning home or adoption.

• Facilitate and observe parent–child visits, provide coaching, and arrange transportation.

• Collaborate with caregivers, parents, extended family, schools, and community partners to develop and implement individualized case plans that support child stability, safety, and permanency.

• Coordinate and monitor services such as visitation, medical care, mental health treatment, education, and placement to support family progress and meet each child’s unique needs.

• Develop trusting, professional relationships with families and resource parents by providing guidance, assessing progress, and maintaining clear communication, ensuring shared understanding of treatment needs and case plans to promote safety and stability for children.

• Prepare and maintain thorough case documentation in alignment with policy and law, and participate in court, Citizen Review Board reviews, safety meetings, and other case‑planning activities by providing clear communication, testimony, and recommendations

Interested in learning more? Here are some testimonials from current ODHS Workers and an informational session regarding these positions: https://youtu.be/DghnA4oDx_Q

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,

• 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

• 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. 

We are looking for candidates with: 

• Experience working both independently and with a team. 

• Experience utilizing time management, organization, and prioritization skills to meet deadlines. 

• Demonstrated experience writing clearly, thoroughly, and concisely with minimal spelling or grammar issues. 

• Experience working well with people from a wide variety of backgrounds through a culturally competent lens. 

• Experience using Microsoft Word and Excel. 

• Experience in a helping profession that has at least some social work focus or lens; examples include teaching, law enforcement, medical care, domestic violence advocacy, CASA volunteer, etc.

• Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history.

• 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.

• If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is listed as a minimum qualification for the position, please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process.

Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard preference:

• Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.

• This is a permanent, full-time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).  

• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions.

• The recruiter for this position is Heather Whelan. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-206548.

• Email: Heather.S.Whelan@odhs.oregon.gov

• Phone (call or text): 503-979-8682