Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) - State of Oregon : Job Details

Initial Posting Date:10/16/2024Application Deadline:10/31/2024Agency:Department of Human ServicesSalary Range:$4,536 - $6,952Position Type:EmployeePosition Title:Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)Job Description:The Oregon Department of Human Services is proudto 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.Opportunity awaits! 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!Summary of DutiesAs 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:* Safety & Wellbeing: You play a crucial part in helping families achieve their goals while ensuring the safety and well-being of children.* Engagement: You engage with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers in various ways to promote safety, permanency, and optimal outcomes for Oregon's children and families.* Strategies: You develop and implement multi-level strategies that leverage family strengths and address areas for improvement.* Responsibilities: Your tasks include conducting home visits, writing reports, attending court hearings, and problem-solving child safety issues.* Balancing Act: You balance the needs of the child and the family in compliance with legal requirements.* Opportunities: You will build rapport with families, understand their uniqueness, and learn about each family's dynamics.Minimum QualificationsA 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 training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.Essential AttributesWe are looking for candidates with:* Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated and manage your time well.* Demonstrated knowledge about trauma-informed care.* Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to write in plain language with minimal spelling and grammar issues.* Experience giving verbal presentations that were well-received and understandable to the audience.* Demonstrated ability to prioritize self-care in order to maintain good mental health.* Demonstrated ability to come up with innovative solutions to problems.* Demonstrated ability to be an active listener and manage one's own emotions, as well as the emotions of others.Attention all candidates! 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.Working Conditions* Your work will be conducted in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites. Families served include mandated clients who may be hostile and resistant.* This work requires a valid Oregon Driver's License.* Travel is required for attending meetings, trainings, and other case related activities. Some travel may be in hazardous weather conditions.* Work requires the ability to prioritize work related to child safety and respond quickly to emergent situations.* This position requires working a flexible schedule as a condition of employment with the normal workday of 8am to 5pm; however, working hours may be adjusted within a given week to provide planned services.* Occasional compensated overtime during evening and weekend work may be required.* This work requires the ability to use computer technology which includes, but is not limited to, the following: Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and OR-Kids.Background Checks and Requirements* If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information.* 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.* Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint-based criminal records check.Benefits* ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.* Cost of Living Adjustments.* Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).* Amazing benefits package.* Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.Employment PreferenceVeterans' preference:* Veterans' preference information.* How to submit your Veteran documents for preference. Please do not attach your Veterans' preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application.Malheur County preference:* If your primary residence is in Malheur County, you may choose to receive 5 percent preference points. The application process includes a required question where you can indicate if you'd like to receive preference or not.General Information* 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.Contact InformationWe 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 Sugei Hernandez. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-167460* Email: [email protected]* Phone (call or text): 971-###-####