Background Specialist (Administrative Specialist 1)

Initial Posting Date:

10/30/2025

Application Deadline:

11/12/2025

Agency:

Department of Early Learning and Care

Salary Range:

$3,705 - $5,066

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Background Specialist (Administrative Specialist 1)

Job Description:

The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care is excited to announce a permanent opening for two Background Specialists (Administrative Specialist 1) positions.

Join our team as a Background Specialist, where your attention to detail and commitment to child well-being play a critical role in safeguarding Oregon’s youngest learners. From analyzing complex criminal histories to coordinating with law enforcement and legal agencies, this position offers a dynamic, purpose-driven environment where your work truly makes a difference.To learn more about this role, view our day in life flyer here.

This position will work a hybrid schedule of working both in the office and at an alternate location (home). In office work is anticipated two times per month, or as needed.

About the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC):

At DELC, we are dedicated to helping Oregon’s young children and families learn and thrive. As the state agency responsible for early learning programs, child care licensing, and family support services, we play a crucial role in shaping the future of Oregon’s children from birth to kindergarten.

We administer state-funded early learning programs, including home visiting and site-based infant, toddler, and preschool services. We also develop coordinated systems through Early Learning Hubs and collaborate with Child Care Resource and Referral organizations to provide training, coaching, and quality improvement opportunities for early learning providers.

With over 275,000 young children in Oregon, we have a unique opportunity to transform early childhood support systems, creating a brighter future for families across the state. Research shows that investing in early childhood has lifelong benefits, and now is your chance to be part of an agency making a lasting impact for generations to come.

Why Join Our Team? We are passionate about equity in early childhood education. At DELC, we value dedication, integrity, and collective wisdom, fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace where all employees can thrive. We challenge ourselves to lead with courage, refine practices, and drive meaningful change for children and families statewide.

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive Benefits: Low-cost medical, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family, plus optional benefits like life and disability insurance, deferred compensation, and flexible spending accounts.
• Work-Life Balance: 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days, 1 special day, monthly sick leave, and vacation accruals that increase every 5 years.
• Student Loan Forgiveness: Potential federal loan forgiveness after 120 qualifying payments.
• Inclusive Culture: A diverse, welcoming workplace committed to equity and continuous improvement.

Our Commitment to Equity: Equity is at the heart of our mission. We strive to remove barriers, foster inclusiveness, and create meaningful change for underrepresented communities. Our goal is to ensure all DELC employees, child care providers and the children