What are the responsibilities and job description for the Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) Underfill Opportunity position at Department of Human Services?
Initial Posting Date:
03/05/2025
Application Deadline:
03/20/2025
Agency:
Department of Human Services
Salary Range:
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) Underfill Opportunity
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 position may be for you!
Understanding John Day, Oregon:
The city of
John Day
is located in the high desert of NE Oregon. With its cattle drives down Main Street, the Timber Truckers Light Parade and border collies and horse trailers, the small community of John Day wears its heart and heritage on its sleeve.
Want to calculate your commute time? Check out this
mileage and driving distance calculator
This position may be underfilled by a candidate who meets the Social Service Specialist/Entry) minimum qualifications and is able to meet the Child Protective services (Social Service Specialist 1) minimum qualifications within 24 months of date of hire.
Summary of Duties
As a Child Protective Service Worker, you will:
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 Worker, you will:
- Respond to allegations of alleged child abuse and neglect.
- Conduct fact-finding interviews with children, parents, and other parties.
- Observe home environments.
- Make determinations about whether abuse or neglect has occurred and taking protective measures when appropriate.
- Arrange medical evaluations and substitute care placement of children.
- Attend court hearings and meetings related to child protective services assessments.
- Fulfill various documentation requirements.
Interested in learning more? Here are some
testimonials
from current ODHS Permanency Workers.
Minimum Qualifications
A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.
Social Service Specialist/Entry Minimum Qualifications
Salary: $ 3,948.00- $ 5,483.00/ Monthly
One year of direct, full-time experience that prepares the incumbent for providing protective services to children, such as work in a social work, child welfare services, or family services setting, or in a related field.
NOTE: You must obtain an Associate’s degree within two calendar years from the date of hire.
Child Protective services (Social Service Specialist 1) Minimum Qualifications
Salary: $4,536.00 - $6,952.00/ Monthly
- 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:
- Experience mobilizing, engaging, and building collaborative relationships with community partners and people.
- Experience identifying risk factors and barriers in addition to knowledge of how risk factors impact families.
- Experience using trauma-informed practices that are responsive to the child and family’s language, race, and culture.
- Experience writing documents or reports that include a conclusion and recommended action (examples: case plans, court reports, investigative reports).
- Experience using Word, Excel, Outlook, and Microsoft WORD
- Experience using a trauma-informed lens to identify successful solutions and to provide recommendations regarding child safety and placement decisions.
- Experience adapting communication style to explain complex information such as rules or procedures verbally and in writing to diverse audiences.
- Experience using time management, organization, and prioritization skills to consistently meet competing deadlines.
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.
Note: 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 is done in office and field, including client homes. Families served include mandated clients who may be hostile and resistant. You may interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions.
- Some travel is required. Valid driver’s license is required.
- This position requires working a flexible schedule as a condition of employment with a normal workday of 8 hours, from 8 AM to 5 PM; however, working hours may be adjusted within a given week, to provide planned services.
- Occasional compensated overtime during evening and weekend work may be required. There may be some hazard winter driving and dealing with hostile clients.
- On call is required on an ongoing basis based on rotation.
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.
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.
Malheur County preference:
- If your primary residence is in Malheur County, you may choose to receive 5 percent preference points. The application process includes a required question where you can indicate if you’d like to receive preference or not.
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
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 Sugei Hernandez. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number:
- Email: Sugei.Hernandez@odhs.oregon.gov
- Phone (call or text): 971-375-8675
Salary : $3,948 - $5,483
