Family Coach

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are actively working to build an equitable agency with the 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.

Ready to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need? Join our Family Engagement team and help create a culture of support and empowerment for Oregon's families.

Bilingual Required – English & Spanish

This position does require bilingual language skills in English & Spanish to assist with a need in the communities that we serve. Family Coaches are tested for their speaking and writing bilingual language skills in English and Spanish

As a Family Coach, you will work closely with Oregon families and work is based in the Madras Office and in the local community. This position is not remote.

Oregon Department of Human Services is committed to an inclusive workforce.  We advance equity and diversity in all that we do by welcoming applicants 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, antiracist and inclusive community.

Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), A place to belong and make a difference

• When you join the , 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 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 including health, dental, vision and much more

What you need to qualify

• A bachelor's degree in a Behavioral Science, Social Science, or a closely related field; OR

• A bachelor's degree in any field AND one year of human services related experience (i.e., work providing assistance to individuals and groups with issues such as economically disadvantaged, employment, abuse and neglect, substance abuse, aging, disabilities, prevention, health, cultural competencies, inadequate housing); OR

• An associate degree in a Behavioral Science, Social Science or a closely related field AND two years of human services related experience (i.e., work providing assistance to individuals and groups with issues such as economically disadvantaged, employment, abuse and neglect, substance abuse, aging, disabilities, prevention, health, cultural competencies, inadequate housing); OR

• Three years of human services related experience (i.e., work providing assistance to individuals and groups with issues such as economically disadvantaged, employment, abuse and neglect, substance abuse, aging, disabilities, prevention, health, cultural competencies, inadequate housing).

• Must have a valid driver’s license or other acceptable method of transportation (when ADA accommodations are needed).

• A job offer is contingent upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency in English and Spanish. Family Coaches are tested for both their verbal and written skills in a language other than English.

Candidates are required to clearly show that they meet the minimum qualifications (as outlined in the 'What you need to qualify' section) in their resume or application. This is ideally achieved by providing a comprehensive resume or application that details all work experience, job responsibilities, education, and any pertinent volunteer work. If chosen, your full resume or application will undergo a pay equity assessment to establish the salary offer.

We are unable to accept additional information after the posting deadline.

Essential attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience with motivational interviewing and strength-based case management, including assessing customers’ strengths & service needs.

• Demonstrated ability to be a self-starter, self-motivated and continuous learner.

• Experience successfully organizing work efficiently and managing multiple tasks with interruptions, as well as managing workloads with competing deadlines.

• Experience explaining complex rules, regulations, processes, and procedures both verbally and in written communications while demonstrating respect, preserving dignity, and a passion to serve the public.

• Knowledge of ODHS programs and community resources and the ability to coordinate multiple parties & integrate multiple services.

Please be sure to clearly describe how you meet these attributes within your application materials. These attributes will be used to determine which candidates will be selected to move forward in the process.  

Your duties at a glance

As an employee working in the (SSP), you will have an opportunity to provide resources and services to help people move out of poverty and toward whole well-being. Programs include food benefits, cash assistance, childcare assistance, medical, services for domestic violence survivors, resources for refugees and support for youth experiencing homelessness. 

The goal of the Self-Sufficiency Program is to help families address barriers and gain skills and access to employment opportunities to become self-sufficient. TANF is a collection of programs directed at improving the lives of very low-income Oregon families with children.

A Family Coach conducts interviews to determine family need and eligibility. Explores alternate resources and links clients to community services. Completes program applications for program benefits and, if eligible, issues appropriate support payments. Engages clients in family evaluation of strengths. Jointly develops a case plan and identifies the steps the family will take towards self-sufficiency and meeting their basic needs. Monitors progress, needs, and makes necessary modifications to the case plan. Initiates and participates in case staffing, employment readiness, life skills training, and supports job search as needed.

An additional role of the Family Coach is to assist with crisis and safety planning for individuals experiencing domestic violence. The Family Coach completes program eligibility and if appropriate, issues grant payments. They may also assist with supporting resources and services within the community.

Working conditions

• Position is fast paced.

• High volume of individual and family contact. 

• You will have contact with a diverse range of people including some who may be experiencing emotional and financial stress and will need to respond with compassion and professionalism through a trauma informed lens.

• You will work with domestic violence survivors. These situations may be stressful and understanding self-care and available resources are important. 

• Employee's work is conducted in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites. You will drive state vehicles for work done in the community.

• Overtime must be pre-approved. 

• This is not a remote position.