Generalist Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1); Child Protective Services and Permanency Positions Available!

Initial Posting Date: 09/16/2024 Application Deadline: 10/02/2024 Agency: Department of Human Services Salary Range: $4,536.00 - $6,952.00/Monthly Position Type: Employee Position Title: Generalist Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1); Child Protective Services and Permanency Positions Available! Job Description: 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. Opportunity awaits! Picture yourself as the advocate for children! Your mission is to protect their futures while addressing the needs of families and adhering to legal obligations. With each home visit and report you complete; you’re making a significant impact on the lives of children in Oregon. Our Office of Child Welfare is seeking to fill multiple Social Service Specialist 1 positions in Lane County! In this role, you will work directly with families with whom you will be able to share and celebrate successes. Come join us in doing this important work! 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 Generalist Case Worker, you will: Safety and Support: Protect children’s safety and support families by engaging with them, resource parents, and caregivers. Using a trauma-informed and antiracist approach. 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 A Balancing Act: Navigate the needs of the child and the family while balancing legal requirements. Responsibilities: Your tasks include conducting home visits, writing reports, attending court hearings, and problem-solving child safety issues. Assessment and Interviews: Conduct assessment and fact-finding interviews related to child safety, risk of abuse, neglect, or harm. You will also address necessary care and needs levels of the children and families. Decision-Making: Analyzing collected information, you will determine appropriate child placement, considering each family’s unique circumstances. Communication: You will create reports, case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations in office, community, or legal settings. 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 training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency. Essential Attributes We are looking for candidates with: Demonstrated ability to work well both independently and with a team. Experience utilizing time management, organization, and prioritization skills to meet deadlines. Demonstrated ability to write clearly, thoroughly, and concisely with minimal spelling or grammar issues. Experience advancing equity in a work, school, or volunteer environment. Experience working well with people from a wide variety of backgrounds through a culturally competent lens. Experience using computer skills for word processing and navigating different databases. 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 the office and in the community. Some remote work may be approved but will need to be discussed with and approved by your manager. Travel with the purpose of transporting children is required. Some travel may be hours away. Your hours of work may fluctuate based on service needs. Occasional compensation overtime may be required, including evening and weekend work. This position requires the ability to prioritize work related to child safety and respond quickly to emergent situations. You may interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma, exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions. This position requires the ability to use computer technology, including a working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, and Word as well as ORKIDS, FACIS, and IIS. A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required. 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 Preference Veterans’ 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 Information 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 Sugei Hernandez. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-165142 Email: Sugei.Hernandez@odhs.oregon.gov