Temporary Lodging Assistant (Social Service Assistant), Limited Duration, Multiple Positions

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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!

What if you could play a pivotal role in transforming the lives of vulnerable children, providing them with the care and support they desperately need? Join us in this rewarding journey!

Our Office of Child Welfare is seeking to fill multiple Limited Duration, Temporary Lodging Assistant (Social Service Assistant) positions in our Albany office!

• These Limited Duration positions are expected to end 6/30/2027.

• These Limited Duration positions are eligible for health benefits, leave accrual, and are represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

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 Temporary Lodging Assistant, you will: 

• Provide supervision, support, and care to children and youth in temporary lodging, maintaining a safe, stable, and family-like environment.

• Monitor and support the safety, health, behavioral, and basic needs of children and youth, including meals, hygiene, clothing, medications, school, and appointments.

• Follow established safety, supervision, visitation, and care plans while responding appropriately to behavioral concerns, crises, and safety issues.

• Safely transport children and youth to school, appointments, visits, placements, and other approved activities.

• Observe and document children’s behaviors, needs, interactions, and progress, providing timely and objective information to caseworkers and supervisors.

• Contribute observations and information to child and family assessments, risk and safety assessments, and safety and supervision planning.

• Support transitions and placements of children and youth into resource parent homes or with parents by temporarily bridging gaps in services and care.

• When temporary lodging prevention activities are not needed, you will support other case aides and assist with general casework duties.

• Communicate and collaborate with caseworkers, supervisors, families, resource parents, service providers, and other partners regarding the safety, needs, and well-being of children and youth.

Interested in learning more? Here are some testimonials from current ODHS Workers.

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:

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

• Documentation: Experience documenting observations, client interactions, and case-related information accurately and in accordance with established procedures.

• Trauma-Informed Practices: Experience applying trauma-informed practices when interacting with or providing services to individuals who have experienced trauma.

• Communication and Collaboration: Experience communicating and collaborating with coworkers and people from diverse backgrounds to provide information, coordinate services, or accomplish shared goals.

• Working with Children and Families: Experience working with children and families from diverse backgrounds while adapting communication or service approaches to meet individual needs.

• Deescalation skills: Experienced in managing crisis situations through effective de-escalation, teamwork, and trauma-informed communication to ensure safety, reduce conflict, and support positive client outcomes.

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

• Your position requires working a flexible schedule as a condition of employment and work hours are often adjusted within a given week.  Your work schedule will vary based on business needs and may include evenings, weekends, and occasional mandatory overtime.

• You will work in person in office settings, clients’ homes, hotels, hospitals, and other community locations. Travel will be required and may include hazardous weather, evening or low-light conditions, and occasional overnight stays for meetings, training, and case-related activities.

• You will frequently engage in physical activities, including lifting up to 40 pounds, assisting children with car seats, and responding quickly to ensure children’s safety, which may involve running, bending, lifting, or other physical interventions.

• You will work with individuals who have experienced trauma and may have difficulty managing their emotions. You will encounter sensitive situations involving trauma, abuse, and crises and must use a trauma-informed approach and make prompt decisions to help maintain a safe environment.

• Your office environment may include cubicles, frequent interruptions, and moderate to high noise levels.

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.

• 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’ 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 limited duration, 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-205567

• Email: Heather.S.Whelan@odhs.oregon.gov

• Phone (call or text): 503-979-8682