Permanency Case Aide (social Service Assistant)

Permanency Case Aide (Social Service Assistant)

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! Imagine working with a team that is committed to serving children, families, and communities. Each day you have a unique opportunity to be involved with several different cases, 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 Case Aide position may be for you!

As a Permanency Case Aide (Social Service Assistant), you will join our Child Welfare team in the Baker City office. Baker City is in rural Eastern Oregon.

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.

As a Permanency Case Aide, you will:

• Provide administrative support to caseworkers by assisting administrative tasks like case notes, documentation, and coordination of appointments and forms for families.
• Gather and enter information from collateral contacts into the agency's electronic system.
• Supervise initial visits for children in foster care and facilitate transportation and family visitations.
• Assist in locating relatives for parent searches, placements, or safety service providers.
• Support caseworkers with home visits, client contacts, and transportation of clients, medications, and ensure children in care meet medical and mental health assessment timelines.
• Communicate with community partners to coordinate resources and support for children and families, maintaining a resource spreadsheet by neighborhood or school district.
• Attend case-related meetings, staffing, and conferences to support casework activities.
• Assist with risk and safety assessments and help engage children in temporary placements.
• Provide testimony in court regarding visitation observations, experiences, and other applicable information.

Minimum Qualifications

• A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record are required for this position OR
• Possession of a current certification in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Addiction Counseling Preparation, or Juvenile Corrections OR
• 45 quarter hours, or 30 semester hours of college course work in sociology, psychology, early childhood education, criminal justice, human services, juvenile corrections, or occupational skills training OR
• An Associate's degree in a field not closely related to Social Work/Human Services and six months of human services related experience (i.e., work providing assistance to individuals and groups with issues such as economically disadvantaged, employment, abuse and neglect, substance abuse, aging, mental or physical disabilities, juvenile prevention, health, cultural competencies, and/or inadequate housing).

Essential Attributes

• Experience conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly when creating or reviewing documents.
• Demonstrated communication skills, including the ability to engage with a variety of people, the ability to de-escalate tense situations, and the ability to be assertive when necessary.
• Experience working successfully both with a team and independently, while managing your time efficiently.
• The ability to write clearly, concisely, and thoroughly with minimal spelling or grammar issues.
• The demonstrated ability to work well with people from a wide variety of backgrounds and showcase intercultural competency.

Working Conditions

• Your work will be conducted in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites.
• Employee will work a professional work week; hours of work may fluctuate based on service needs. Occasional, compensated overtime may be required, including evening and weekend work.
• Work hours may vary based on service needs, and occasional, compensated overtime, including evening and weekend shifts, may be required.
• Occasional travel is required.
• Some travel may be in hazardous weather conditions.
• You may interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions.
• You may encounter stressful situations that will require quick decision-making skills.
• Activities include traversing stairs, moving on uneven terrain, and helping children (weighing up to 50 pounds) in and out of car seats.

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 make sure your application materials, resume and job history, are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

General Information

• This is a permanent, full-time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
• The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.
• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

Contact Information

• The recruiter for this position is Yvette Medford. Please include the REQ# when corresponding.
• Email: yvette.c.medford@odhs.oregon.gov
• Phone (call or text): 541-709-0306

Come for a job. | Stay for a career. | Make a difference... for a lifetime!