Social Service Specialist

Join to apply for the Social Service Specialist 1 role at Oregon Department of Human Services
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The Oregon Department of Human Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer guided by Equity North Star and the RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented groups to help us achieve a diverse and inclusive community.

This is an in-person position where work is conducted in the Roseburg ODHS Child Welfare office, participants  homes, and other community sites. The recruitment will be open until all positions are filled.

• 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.
• A Balancing Act:
  Navigate the needs of the child and the family while balancing legal requirements.
• Assessment and Interviews:
  Conduct assessment and fact-finding interviews related to child safety, risk of abuse, neglect, or harm; address necessary care and needs levels of the children and families.
• Decision-Making:
  Analyze information, determine appropriate child placement, and consider each family’s unique circumstances.
• Communication:
  Create reports, case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations in office, community, or legal settings.

A bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field. Or a bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services with one year of Human Services related experience or completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency. Or an Associate Degree with two years of Human Services related experience, or one year with related training/certification per Oregon Caseworker Competency.

• Experience connecting with children and families under time-sensitive and challenging circumstances, considering language, race, and culture.
• Experience working independently and in a team.
• Time management, organization, and prioritization skills to meet deadlines.
• Ability to gather information, write clearly and concisely, and convey complex conclusions with recommended actions in a timely manner (e.g., case plans, court reports, investigative reports).
• Analytical thinking and critical thinking in high-pressure situations to defuse confrontational situations.
• Knowledge or experience with crisis intervention, conflict resolution techniques, or behavior management techniques.

• In-person position in Roseburg ODHS office, participant s homes, and community sites.
• Typical schedule Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. PST.
• Frequent local travel; occasional travel may be hours away.
• Prioritize child safety and respond quickly to emergent situations.
• Interact with a wide range of people, including some who have experienced trauma.
• May encounter stressful situations requiring quick decision-making to ensure safety.

• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record required.
• Finalists will undergo criminal history and background checks; adverse history may disqualify.
• Finalists must be cleared by FBI CJIS via fingerprint-based check.
• ODHS does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, complete I-9; ODHS will use E-Verify.

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
• Cost of Living Adjustments and annual salary increases (until top of range).
• Amazing benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

• Veterans’ preference information and how to submit documents. Do not attach preference docs in Resume/CV field.
• Oregon National Guard:
  Form DA5016, DD214 or NGB
  22 required. Eligible starting January 2026. 5% awarded.

• This is a permanent, full-time position represented by SEIU.
• Recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.
• Use of outside resources during applicant assessments is prohibited unless stated; violations may disqualify.

You may contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions, or job-specific questions.

• Recruiter:
  Brent Lawrence. Include the job requisition number when you contact.
• Email: brent.lawrencegon.gov

• Mid-Senior level

• Full-time

• Other

• Government Administration