Generalist Caseworker

Initial Posting Date:

04/08/2025

Application Deadline:

/

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$4,833 - $7,407

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Generalist Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1)

Job Description:

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! Build rapport with families, understand their uniqueness, and learn how each family functions. Embrace the opportunity to make a positive impact on children and families in need of support and resources!

This recruitment will be open until all positions are filled. Applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications every two weeks.

We are recruiting for positions located in Prineville, Madras, Redmond and Bend.

Summary of Duties

As a Generalist Caseworker, you will:

• Perform the work of a Child Protective Services (CPS) Worker, Permanency Worker, and a Resource Home Certifier. 

• Conduct child safety assessments of alleged child abuse or neglect to determine if a child has been or is at risk of being harmed.

• Engage with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers in a multitude of ways to achieve safety, permanency and well-being of children.

• Identify and seek relative caregivers, resource parents, and adoptive parents.

Minimum Qualifications

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.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience working successfully independently and with a team.

• Experience using time management, organization, and prioritization skills to meet deadlines.

• Experience writing clearly, thoroughly, and concisely with minimal spelling or grammar issues.

• Experience working well with people from a wide variety of backgrounds through a culturally competent lens.

• Experience using Microsoft Word and Excel.

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.

Working Conditions

• Your work will take place in the community and in the ODHS office.

• You will work a professional work week where the hours of work fluctuate on a daily and weekly basis to meet service needs. Occasional compensated overtime will be required, including evening and weekend work.

• You will have frequent local travel. Occasional travel may be hours away. On rare occasions, you will have overnight travel. The purpose of travel will be to transport children and connect with family members.

• You will interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions.

• You may encounter situations that require quick decision-making to ensure safety of yourself and others. 

Background Checks and Requirements

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.

• 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.

• Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint-based criminal records check. 

• 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.

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).  

• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

• 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.

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 Amanda Alvarado. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-167169.

• Email: amanda.k.alvarado@odhs.oregon.gov