Social Service Assistant

**Initial Posting Date:** 07/29/2026 **Application Deadline:** 08/05/2026 **Agency:** Department of Human Services **Salary Range:** $4,124 - $5,714 **Position Type:** Employee **Position Title:** Social Service Assistant (Generalist) **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!** Imagine working with a team that is committed to serving children, families, and communities. You will interact with a wide range of people and enjoy a position where each day is unique. If you're looking for interesting workdays and a chance to make a difference, this Social Service Assistant position may be for you! **As a Social Service Assistant,** **you will work in our Springfield and/or Eugene office** **serving individuals and families in person.** **Summary of Duties** As an employee working within the [Child Welfare Program](https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/children/Pages/index.aspx), 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](https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/child-welfare-transformation/Pages/default.aspx) that will support children and young adults to be safer, healthier, experience less trauma and achieve a greater well-being.    **As a Social Service Assistant**, you will work across all child welfare program areas as a member of the service delivery team to: * Ensure children's safety and well-being during visits and transport, addressing any issues and documenting outcomes.   * Provide transportation support for children and others associated with the case, supporting their emotional needs.  * Keep accurate records, prepare court notes, provide feedback to service workers, and participate in meetings and conferences.  * Implement and manage individual visitation agreements and safety plans by coordinating by coordinating with case workers, clients, and caregivers.  * Plan visit schedules, locations, supervision levels, and safety measures using information from various sources.  * Review and explain visitation agreements and guidelines to clients, family members, and caregivers.  * Communicate visitation expectations and respond to post-visit inquiries from caregivers and family members. The duties in this position include working with challenging and sometimes hostile clients.  **Minimum Qualifications** A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position. * One year of experience working in a human services or behavioral health setting; **OR** * An associate degree in any field; **OR** * An equivalent combination of education and experience. **Essential Attributes** We are looking for candidates with: * **Collaboration and Teamwork**: Experience working effectively both independently and as part of a team to accomplish shared goals. * **Planning and Execution**: Experience organizing work, prioritizing competing responsibilities, managing time effectively, and meeting deadlines with attention to detail. * **Equity and Inclusion**: Experience working effectively with people from a wide variety of backgrounds and demonstrating intercultural competency in interactions and service delivery. * **Problem Solving**: Experience identifying problems, evaluating solutions, and applying a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach to decision-making. * **Communication and Customer Service**: Experience communicating effectively with a variety of people, de-escalating tense situations, and demonstrating professionalism and appropriate assertiveness when necessary. **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. * 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. * **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.** * **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.** **Working Conditions** * **This position requires a valid driver license and acceptable driving record.**  * **You will work in-person in Springfield and/or Eugene, Oregon** in the office, homes of participants, community sites, hospitals and hotels. * You will travel for meetings, trainings, and other case related activities, including required occasional overnight travel. Travel is also required for transporting children and/or families/parents to appointments. * **This position requires coverage of shifts, your schedule will be Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. During training, your schedule will be Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.** * Flexibility is needed to work early or late when needed, including occasional weekend availability. * Your work will involve frequent physical activity, including lifting up to 50 pounds and assisting children with car seats. * Your role involves handling sensitive topics related to trauma, abuse, and crises, requiring a trauma-informed approach that is essential to ensure a safe environment. * You may interact with youth and adults who have experienced trauma and may have difficulty managing their emotions. * Be prepared for stressful situations that require quick decision-making to ensure safety for yourself and others. * Our work is fast-paced and constantly evolving, you will have to be flexible and able to adapt to changing priorities, processes, and business needs. Success in this role requires a positive attitude toward change, the ability to adjust quickly, and a willingness to take on new responsibilities as they arise. **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** 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-204313. * Email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) * Phone (call or text): 503-979-8682