Legal Finalization Worker – Social Service Specialist 1

Oregon Department of Human Services

Legal Finalization Worker helping families finalize adoptions and guardianships in Oregon's Child Welfare team. Position located in Baker City or La Grande, requires related education and license.

Posted 7/15/2026full-timeBaker City • Oregon • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $4,954 - $7,592 per monthWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in guardianship and adoption processes, including case management and legal documentation. Proficient in trauma-informed practices and effective communication with families, ensuring high-quality permanency planning and support.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Bachelor's Degree In Human ServicesHuman Services Related ExperienceTrauma-Informed PracticesExcellent Written Communication SkillsTime Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Case ManagementLegal DocumentationPermanency PlanningICWA/ORICWA KnowledgeChild Safety Monitoring

Soft Skills

Active ListeningSelf-MotivationEmotional ManagementEngagement Under PressureReliability

Tools & Technologies

OR-KidsMicrosoft WordMicrosoft Excel

Certifications & Qualifications

Oregon Caseworker Competency Certification

Industry Keywords

GuardianshipAdoptionFamily History ReviewCourt HearingsPermanency Timelines

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support offices in the district, working in Baker, Union and Wallowa Counties.
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 is necessary; use required computer systems including Microsoft Word, Excel, and OR‑Kids.

Requirements

What you’ll need

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

Benefits

Comp & perks

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.