Social Service Specialist 1 Job at Department of Human Services

Department of Human Services Madras, OR

Initial Posting Date:
12/20/2022
Application Deadline:
02/15/2023
Agency:
Department of Human Services
Salary Range:
4,259.00 - 6,528.00 Monthly
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Social Service Specialist 1
Job Description:
We are committed to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and 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.
Would you like the opportunity to make a positive impact on Oregonians in need of support and resources? Would you enjoy working with a close-knit, diverse team that collaborates and learns together in service of children, families, and communities?
Our Office of Child Welfare is seeking to fill multiple social service specialist 1 positions in Madras. 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!
Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), A place to belong and make a difference!
  • When you join the
    ODHS
    , you join a community of over 10,000 employees dedicated to serving and helping Oregonians achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice, and preserve dignity.
  • Connect with ODHS Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and find a place to belong, build community and participate in shared learning. ERGs are employee-driven committees that support each other as well as the ODHS’ overall mission and vision.
  • We are committed to building an antiracist and equitable agency. Equity is foundational to our role as a human services agency, and we are committed to integrating equity into all we do. The
    Equity North Star
    has four points that explain the agency's goals related to equity, inclusion, and racial justice.
  • We know that life is unpredictable and ODHS cares about keeping you well. Enjoy a work-life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, and
    competitive benefits packages
    including health, dental, vision and much more!
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION SESSION
If you are interested in hearing more about this position, other positions within ODHS in Central Oregon, benefits, career advancement opportunities and important tips for submitting an application, you are welcome to join an informational meeting via Teams. Some of our staff will be there to share information and answer questions. This is not part of the interview process and is open to the public.
First Monday of every month from 4 to 5 pm PST. Join on your computer or mobile app
Click here to join the meeting
Or call in (audio only) +1 971-277-2343,,387820144# United States, Portland
Third Monday of every month from 4 to 5 pm PST. Join on your computer or mobile app
Click here to join the meeting
Or call in (audio only) +1 971-277-2343,,270032421# United States, Portland
What you need to qualify:
A bachelor’s degree in human services or a field related to human services.
OR
A bachelor’s degree unrelated to human services, and either:
1) One year of human services-related experience, OR
2) Completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with
Oregon caseworker competency
.
OR
An associate degree and either:
1) Two years of human services-related experience, OR
2) One year of human services-related experience and related training, coursework or certification consistent with
Oregon caseworker competency
.
A valid driver license and acceptable driving record are necessary for this position.
Essential Attributes:
We are looking for candidates with:
  • Flexibility/Adaptability: Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing priorities.
  • Time Management/Organization: Experience utilizing prioritization, time management, and organization skills to meet deadlines and service needs.
  • Communication: Ability to adjust communication style in a way that meets the unique needs of each individual and family. Ability to effectively articulate facts and recommendations in documentation, reports, and referrals.
  • Equity/Inclusion: Demonstrated commitment to conducting work through a diversity, equity and trauma-informed lens.
  • Engagement Skills: Ability to engage children and families under time-sensitive and difficult circumstances, to gather information and make informed decisions that are inclusive of the child and the family’s language, race, and culture.
  • Critical Thinking: Ability to review, analyze and interpret information, and recommend solutions to problems.
  • Relationship Building: Demonstrated ability to motivate, engage, and build collaborative relationships with people.
Please be sure to clearly describe how you meet these attributes within your application materials. These attributes will be used to determine which candidates will be selected to move forward in the process. Make sure to read the ‘How to Apply’ section for any other requirements.
Your duties at a glance
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 child protective services worker, you will:
  • Protect children's safety and provide community support referrals for families.
  • Engage with families, resource parents, children, and community systems using a trauma informed lens to achieve safety and optimal outcomes for Oregon’s children and families.
  • Conduct child safety assessments of alleged child abuse or neglect to determine if a child has been or is at risk of being harmed.
  • Balance the safety needs of the child and the family in conjunction with balancing legal requirements.
  • Conduct assessment and fact-finding interviews to assess mental, physical, environmental, and social status of the caregiver.
  • Analyze interview information to determine appropriate child placement. All determinations are made in consideration of each family's unique circumstances.
  • Work collaboratively with law enforcement other members of a multi-disciplinary team and required to testify in court evidence if a child is determined to be unsafe.
  • Perform heavy typing and paperwork responsibilities.
As a permanency worker, you will:
  • Play a critical role in helping families achieve their goals while cohesively ensuring the safety of children.
  • Engage with children, families, resource parents and caregivers in a multitude of ways to achieve the safety, permanency and optimal outcomes for Oregon’s children and families. All engagement will be conducted through a trauma-informed and antiracist lens.
  • Develop and implement multifaceted strategies that build on family strengths and address areas of improvement.
  • Conduct home visits, write reports, attend court hearings, and problem-solve minor crises to major child safety issues.
  • Play an imperative role in balancing the needs of the child and the family in conjunction with legal requirements.
  • Have a unique opportunity to build rapport with families, understand their uniqueness, and learn more about how each family functions.
Interested in learning more? Here are some
testimonials
from current ODHS permanency and
Child Welfare
employees.
Working conditions:
  • Work involves being available to clients by phone and in the field.
  • Employee's work may be conducted in offices, participants’ homes, and other community sites. Travel is required.
  • This position will have a flexible schedule, with normal eight-hour workdays (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). However, working hours may need to be adjusted to provide planned services. Occasional paid overtime during evenings and on weekends may be required.
  • You may interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma, exhibit challenges in controlling their anger, or other unexpected emotions impacted by drug use, cognitive impairments, or other factors.
  • The nature of this position is chaotic and mentally demanding at times.
  • You may need to lift up to 50 pounds to fulfill the duties of this position.
How to apply:
Your work history profile and resume are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and showcase your skills and experience that make you the best candidate for the position.
  • 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.
  • Current State of Oregon employees: Apply via your employee Workday account.
  • If you are not a current State of Oregon employee, view this
    application instructional video
    .
  • After you submit your application, you will have additional tasks to complete in Workday. Please continue to check your Workday account throughout the recruitment process.
Additional requirements:
  • Finalists for this position will be subject to a computerized criminal history and abuse check. Adverse background information will be reviewed and could result in withdrawal of a conditional job offer or termination of employment.
  • 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.
Helpful information
  • This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
  • This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.
  • Have questions about Workday, and want some tips on understanding the state application process? Check out our
    Oregon job opportunities
    page.
  • If you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have questions or need assistance with the application process, please contact
    jill.w.larson@odhs.oregon.gov
    . Please be sure to include the job requisition number.
  • For D10 / Central Oregon postings, if you wish to enquire more about the position that is posted, please email us at:
    d10cw.ssphiring@dhsoha.state.or.us



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