Job Description

Initial Posting Date:

05/21/2026

Application Deadline:

06/04/2026

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$4,954 - $7,592

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Legal Finalization Worker | Social Service Specialist 1

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!

Step into a meaningful role where you help children move from uncertainty to stability and permanency. As a Legal Finalization Worker, you’ll play a vital part in guiding families through the final steps of adoption and guardianship—moments that change lives forever.

We are currently seeking a Legal Finalization Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) to join our Child Welfare team based in our Baker City office. This role supports District 13 in rural Eastern Oregon, serving Baker, Union and Wallowa Counties.

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 Legal Finalization Worker, you will:

• Finalize guardianship and adoption cases once court approval or parental‑rights resolution is complete.

• Serve as a secondary worker, completing legal and administrative tasks that reduce time in care and support high‑quality permanency planning.

• Enter required information and documentation into OR‑Kids and ensure case records are complete.

• Review all case materials, including family history, legal parent information, medical and educational records, and ICWA/ORICWA details when applicable.

• Provide adoptive families with comprehensive information about the child and support them through the adoption process.

• Support guardianship resources by helping them access financial supports and fully understand their responsibilities.

• Contact relatives to determine willingness and suitability as guardians or adoptive resources.

• Track finalized cases to monitor progress toward state permanency timelines.

• Collaborate daily with primary caseworkers to support concurrent planning for adoption or guardianship.

• Attend court hearings, prepare case reports, present cases, and provide testimony as needed.

• Participate in CRB meetings and provide updates on case progress.

• Assist with monthly child visits as needed and help monitor child safety and well‑being.

• Communicate with Central Office and recruitment partners regarding adoption and guardianship needs.

• Attend permanency‑related meetings, unit meetings, and training sessions as assigned.

• Travel as necessary; use required computer systems including Microsoft Word, Excel, and OR‑Kids.

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

Minimum Qualifications

Per pursuant to ORS 419B.021, states that any position engaged in child protective investigations and/or custody determinations must meet the educational requirements. Experience alone will not meet the minimum qualifications for those positions. Degree must be completed, not in progress.

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

• 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:

• Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated and manage your time well.

• Demonstrated ability to use trauma-informed practices that are sensitive to the child and family’s lived experience, language, race, and culture.

• Demonstrated excellent written communication skills, including the ability to write in plain language with minimal spelling and grammar issues.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively engage with families under challenging and time-sensitive circumstances.

• Experienced being a reliable resource for others and delivering high quality work in a timely manner.

• Demonstrated ability to be an active listener and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others.

Working Conditions

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

• Work schedule will be Monday - Friday; 8am-5pm but hours may fluctuate based on service needs. Occasional compensated overtime during evening and weekend work may be required.

• This position will be required to participate in an on-call rotation for mandatory on call for child protective services.

• Frequent travel is required. Some travel may be hours away. Some travel may be in hazardous weather conditions.

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

• 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.

• Per pursuant to ORS 419B.021, states that any position engaged in child protective investigations and/or custody determinations must meet the educational requirements. Experience alone will not meet the minimum qualifications for those positions. Degree must be completed, not in progress.

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 make sure your application materials, resume and job history, are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.

• 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.

Background Checks and Requirements

• 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.

• 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.

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).

• The salary range listed is the non- PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.

• 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 Yvette Medford Please include the REQ# when corresponding.

• Email: yvette.c.medford@odhs.oregon.gov

• Phone (call or text): 541-709-0306

Come for a job. | Stay for a career. | Make a difference... for a lifetime!