What are the responsibilities and job description for the Child Protective Service Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) position at Department of Human Services?
Initial Posting Date:
04/09/2025
Application Deadline:
04/24/2025
Agency:
Department of Human Services
Salary Range:
$4,833 - $7,407
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Child Protective Service Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)
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!
Imagine a role where you engage with children, families, resource parents and caregivers to achieve safety and optimal outcomes for Oregon’s children and families. Imagine yourself conducting child safety assessments through an equity and culturally relevant lens. If you're looking to make a difference and this sounds intriguing, this Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) position may be for you!
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 Child Protective Services (CPS) Worker, you will:
- Respond to referrals interviewing children, parents, and contacts.
- Observe home environments, conduct child safety assessments, and make determinations of abuse or neglect, taking protective action when necessary.
- Develop service plans to meet the needs of children and families.
- Arrange medical evaluations, placements, and connect families with services and resources.
- Create reports, safety plans, assessment evaluations, case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations.
Minimum Qualifications
- 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:
- Knowledge of child development, crisis intervention, conflict resolution, behavior management and trauma impact
- Experience articulating observations and communicating clearly with diverse groups in both verbal and written forms.
- Experience using critical thinking skills to make quick decisions while maintaining a professional and collaborative posture.
- Experience mentoring and engaging with families to identify and implement strategies for successful client engagement.
Application instructions & requirements
Your work history profile, cover letter, and resume are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and demonstrate your skills, lived and/or work experience that shows you are an excellent candidate for the position.
- Please upload a resume or complete the work history profile. 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.
- Current State of Oregon employees: Apply via your employee Workday account.
- If you are not a current State of Oregon employee, view thisapplication instructional video.
- After you submit your application, you will have additional tasks to complete in Workday. Please continue to check your Workday account throughout the recruitment 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.
Working Conditions
- Work will be conducted in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites.
- Occasional travel is required for attending meetings, trainings, and case related activities.
- Employee’s work schedule will be Monday - Friday from 8 am - 5 pm PT; hours may fluctuate based on service needs.
- Occasional, compensated overtime may be required, including evening and weekend work.
- Employee will be on a rotating on-call, including evening or weekend work.
- May work with individuals experiencing trauma or crisis. Some individuals may have challenges managing their emotions.
- May encounter situations requiring quick decision-making to ensure the safety of oneself or others.
- Activities include traversing stairs, moving on uneven terrain, and helping children (weighing up to 50 pounds) in and out of car seats
Background Checks and Requirements
- 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.
- Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint-based criminal records check.
- A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.
Benefits
- ODHS Employee Resource Groupcommunities that promote shared learning.
- Cost of Living Adjustments.
- Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
- Amazingbenefits package.
- Possible eligibility for thePublic Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Employment Preference
Veterans’ preference:
- Veterans’ preference information.
- How to submit your Veteran documents for preference. Please do not attach your Veterans’ preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application.
General Information
- This is a permanent, 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
Please contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and application or Job-specific questions.
Please include the job requisition number:
- Recruiter: Amy Acree.
- Email: Amy Acree@odhs.oregon.gov
