Permanency Worker

**Initial Posting Date:** 08/31/2026 **Application Deadline:** 09/14/2026 **Agency:** Department of Human Services **Salary Range:** $4,954.00 - $7,592.00 USD Monthly **Position Type:** Employee **Position Title:** Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) **Job Description:** **The** [**Oregon Department of Human Services**](https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/about/pages/default.aspx) **is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.** We are guided by our [Equity North Star](https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/equity/Pages/equity-north-star.aspx) and our vision for a positive [RiSE organizational culture](https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/about/Pages/rise.aspx) 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!** Help shape brighter, more secure futures for children in Oregon. As a **Permanency Worker**, you will engage with families and build meaningful connections that deepen your understanding of their strengths, individuality, and needs, supporting them as they move toward safety and stability. **We are seeking to fill multiple Permanency Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) positions in our Klamath Falls office, located on 355 Timbermill Dr.**   **Summary of Duties** As a **Permanency Worker**, you will: * Monitor and assess safety, well-being, and development of children in care, and support transitions such as returning home or adoption. * Facilitate and observe parent–child visits, provide coaching, and arrange transportation. * Maintain regular contact with families and partners while developing and updating safety and service plans. * Coordinate services, make referrals, and track progress for children and families. * Keep accurate case records, including assessments, plans, and required documentation within timelines. * Prepare reports, make recommendations, participate in court hearings and review boards. * Collaborate with caregivers, schools, service providers, and DHS partners to support child stability and permanency. **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. Pursuant to [ORS 419B.021,](https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Foregon.public.law%2Fstatutes%2Fors_419b.021&data=05%7C02%7CNadja.Rue2%40odhs.oregon.gov%7Cd6b6e376fc8c4f29334408dd75fbda61%7C658e63e88d39499c8f4813adc9452f4c%7C0%7C0%7C638796446760084823%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=8zwD2HrSlLEM30zQtUG15xLlIQRJBfg9Vk2qmBtcOxA%3D&reserved=0) 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.** **Essential Attributes** We are looking for candidates with: * Experience managing workload with consistent follow-through. * Experience reviewing work for completeness, accuracy, and alignment with policy. * Experience engaging children and families to support safety, stability, and well‑being. * Experience applying critical thinking to analyze issues and develop solutions. * Experience of collaborating with service providers, community partners, and internal teams. * Experience communicating with respect, cultural awareness, and trauma‑informed practices. **Working Conditions** * Work will take place in offices, participants’ homes, and various community locations *  The office is constructed of cubicles, so work is often interrupted, and noise levels are sometimes high. * Frequent travel is required for transporting children or families and completing case‑related activities. This includes required occasional overnight travel. * The work schedule is **Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm PT**. There may be occasional requirements for compensated overtime, including evening and weekend hours. * The employee will participate in a rotating on‑call schedule that includes evening and weekend work. * You may interact with individuals experiencing trauma or emotional distress, and there may be times when individuals have difficulty managing their emotional responses. * You may encounter situations requiring quick decision‑making to ensure your safety or the safety of others. * Activities may include traversing stairs, move across uneven terrain, and assisting children (up to 50 pounds) in and out of car seats. * This position requires a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record. **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. * **Your application materials are used to determine your starting salary range.** Please ensure that all education and experience you would like considered are included in your application materials. **Note:** Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. You can attach multiple files in this area at once. * **The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.** 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. * **Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage:** The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification. **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.](https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/background-checks/Pages/faq.aspx) * 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](https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/about/pages/workforce-diversity.aspx) 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](https://www.oregon.gov/jobs/Pages/Benefits.aspx). * Possible eligibility for the [Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program](https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service). **Employment Preference** **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.](https://www.oregon.gov/jobs/Pages/Veterans.aspx) **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** Please contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and application or Job-specific questions. Please include the job requisition number: * **Recruiter:** Sugei Hernandez * **Email:** [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])