Social Service Assistant

Initial Posting Date:

06/17/2024

Application Deadline:

06/30/2024

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$3,619 - $4,755

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Social Service Assistant

Job Description:

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are actively working to build an equitable agency with the Equity North Star as our guide toward our vision of an agency free of racism, discrimination and bias. We believe that teams in which everyone can show up as their full authentic self are key to creating a thriving workforce that can better serve communities. We welcome members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to apply.

Imagine an opportunity to help families by ensuring they can spend quality family time together. Imagine a position where every day is unique and your ability to adapt and be flexible is valued. If you're looking for interesting workdays and a chance to make a difference, this Family Time Coordinator position may be for you!

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!

What will you be doing?

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 Family Time Coordinator, you will:

• Gather and Document Information: Collect and record information from the caseworker, children, parents, relatives, case providers, schools, and other relevant resources to plan family time visits.

• Review Family Time Agreements: Meet with parents and caregivers to review family time agreements and guidelines, suggesting community resources as needed.

• Supervise Family Time: Supervise family time in an office, participants homes or community setting, documenting relevant information. This ensures the safety and well-being of the children during these interactions.

• Transport Children: Assist with transporting children and occasionally parents to family time visits and other necessary appointments.

• Collaborate with Caseworkers: Work closely with caseworkers to assess the details of family time supervision. Recommend services needed for case planning and relay important information about the children and their families or caregivers.

What you need to qualify

• One year of 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 (e.g., 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:

• Experience providing administrative support by coordinating schedules, managing correspondence, and maintaining organized records.

• Experience narrating or documenting observations and information related to client cases, ensuring accurate and detailed record of activities and progress.

• Knowledge and experience using trauma-informed practices, integrating these values into client interactions and support services to promote healing and empowerment.

• Experience using clear communication skills to collaborate effectively with diverse populations, ensuring culturally sensitive and inclusive approaches in all interactions and service delivery.

Please be sure to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and the essential attributes within your application materials. These two areas 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.

Working conditions

• Your work will be conducted in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites.

• Occasional travel is required for attending meetings, trainings, and other case related activities.

• Some travel may be in hazardous weather conditions.

• The employees' hours of work will be Tuesday - Saturday from 10AM - 7PM; hours of work may fluctuate based on service needs. Occasional, compensated overtime may be required, including evening and weekend work.

• 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.

• This position requires frequent activity including, climbing stairs, walking on uneven terrain, assisting children into and out of car seats, this may include lifting, up to 50 pounds.

Application instructions & requirements

Your work history profile and resume are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and demonstrate your skills, lived and/or work experience that shows you are an excellent 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.

• A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record are required.

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, have questions or need assistance with the application process, please contact Amanda Alvarado via email at amanda.k.alvarado@odhs.oregon.gov or call 541-709-8695. Please be sure to include the job requisition number.