Social Service Assistant (Generalist)

Initial Posting Date:

07/29/2026

Application Deadline:

08/05/2026

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$4,124 - $5,714

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Social Service Assistant (Generalist)

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! Imagine working with a team that is committed to serving children, families, and communities. You will 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 Social Service Assistant position may be for you!

As a Social Service Assistant, you will work in our Springfield and/or Eugene office serving individuals and families in person.

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 Social Service Assistant, you will work across all child welfare program areas as a member of the service delivery team to:

• Ensure children's safety and well-being during visits and transport, addressing any issues and documenting outcomes.  

• Provide transportation support for children and others associated with the case, supporting their emotional needs. 

• Keep accurate records, prepare court notes, provide feedback to service workers, and participate in meetings and conferences. 

• Implement and manage individual visitation agreements and safety plans by coordinating by coordinating with case workers, clients, and caregivers. 

• Plan visit schedules, locations, supervision levels, and safety measures using information from various sources. 

• Review and explain visitation agreements and guidelines to clients, family members, and caregivers. 

• Communicate visitation expectations and respond to post-visit inquiries from caregivers and family members. The duties in this position include working with challenging and sometimes hostile clients. 

Minimum Qualifications

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

• One year of experience working in a human services or behavioral health setting;

OR

• An associate degree in any field;

OR

• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Experience working effectively both independently and as part of a team to accomplish shared goals.

• Planning and Execution: Experience organizing work, prioritizing competing responsibilities, managing time effectively, and meeting deadlines with attention to detail.

• Equity and Inclusion: Experience working effectively with people from a wide variety of backgrounds and demonstrating intercultural competency in interactions and service delivery.

• Problem Solving: Experience identifying problems, evaluating solutions, and applying a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach to decision-making.

• Communication and Customer Service: Experience communicating effectively with a variety of people, de-escalating tense situations, and demonstrating professionalism and appropriate assertiveness when necessary.

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 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.

• If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is listed as a minimum qualification for the position, please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring 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.

• 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.

Working Conditions

• This position requires a valid driver license and acceptable driving record. 

• You will work in-person in Springfield and/or Eugene, Oregon in the office, homes of participants, community sites, hospitals and hotels.

• You will travel for meetings, trainings, and other case related activities, including required occasional overnight travel. Travel is also required for transporting children and/or families/parents to appointments.

• This position requires coverage of shifts, your schedule will be Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. During training, your schedule will be Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Flexibility is needed to work early or late when needed, including occasional weekend availability.

• Your work will involve frequent physical activity, including lifting up to 50 pounds and assisting children with car seats.

• Your 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 youth and adults 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.

• Our work is fast-paced and constantly evolving, you will have to be flexible and able to adapt to changing priorities, processes, and business needs. Success in this role requires a positive attitude toward change, the ability to adjust quickly, and a willingness to take on new responsibilities as they arise.

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. 

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’ and Oregon National Guard preference:

• Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.

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 Heather Whelan. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-204313.

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone (call or text): 503-979-8682