Case Aide (Social Service Assistant) (Oregon State Government)

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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! Ready to make a difference? Join a passionate team where every day is a new adventure in supporting children, families, and communities! Every day offers the chance to engage with diverse cases and connect with a variety of people, making each workday unique. If you are seeking a rewarding role where you can truly make a difference, this Social Service Assistant position might be the perfect fit for you! Make a Difference with Us!

We are seeking a Case Aide (Social Service Assistant) to join our

Beaverton Child Welfare Team and become part of a supportive community dedicated to creating positive change in the lives of children and families!

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. 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 Case Aide, you will:

• Play a vital role in assisting Caseworkers to achieve positive outcomes for children and their families.

• Assist Caseworkers by completing paperwork, referrals, transporting children, and handling various administrative tasks.

• Work with families and children by contacting them, transporting children, and visiting homes to ensure their safety.

• Work on different cases and interact with many people, making each day unique.

• Join a team focused on antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Testify in Court: Provide testimony in court about visitation observations and other relevant experiences.

• Arrange Family Time: Arrange family visits and facilitate communication ("comfort calls") between parents and resource parents.

• Supervise Visitation: Providing supervision during initial visitations between children and their parents after placement.

• Provide Emotional Support: Offering emotional assistance to children who are experiencing trauma.

• Share Resource Information: Informing family members about available services and resources.

Minimum Qualifications

• One year experience assisting professionals in one or more specialized social programs such as family services, children services, senior services, mental or developmental disability services, substance abuse programs, juvenile corrections programs, or occupational skills programs; 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 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

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience as a Team Player: Work collaboratively with others, contributing to shared goals and supporting team success.

• Experience with writing skills: Write clearly and effectively, ensuring communication is accurate and accessible.

• Experience with Self-Motivation: Take initiative to pursue goals and opportunities independently, without needing direction.

• Experience with Communication: Communicate clearly and professionally with diverse populations, both over the phone and in-person.

• Experience with Flexibility: Adapt to the needs of the team while also managing tasks independently.

• Experience with Conflict Management: Skilled in positive de-escalation and behavioral management, with knowledge of trauma-informed practices.

• Experience in Family Engagement: Demonstrated ability to connect with children and families in urgent and challenging situations to gather information and make informed decisions about their safety.

Attention all candidates! A cover letter is required. 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.

Note: “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.”

Working Conditions

• Work Locations: Offices, homes of participants, and community sites.

• Travel: Occasional travel for meetings, trainings, and other case related activities. This includes required occasional overnight travel.

• Hours: Regular work week with fluctuating hours; occasional overtime may be needed, including evenings and weekends.

• On-Call: You’ll be part of a rotating on-call schedule that includes evenings and weekends.

• Physical Requirements: Frequent physical activity, including lifting up to 50 pounds and assisting children with car seats.

• This 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 individuals 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.

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.

• 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. 

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

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.

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 Nadja Rue. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-167962.