What are the responsibilities and job description for the Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) position at Department of Human Services?
Initial Posting Date:
03/26/2025
Application Deadline:
04/10/2025
Agency:
Department of Human Services
Salary Range:
4833.00 - 7407.00
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Child Protective Services 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 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 assigned referrals of abuse and neglect and conduct assessments to determine if children are unsafe.
- Interview children, parents, and collateral contacts, and observe the home environment to gather information.
- Make determinations of abuse or neglect and take protective action when necessary.
- Develop service plans to address the individual needs of children and families.
- Arrange medical evaluations, substitute care placements, and connect families with community resources and support programs.
- Complete necessary documentation in OR-Kids, including court reports, safety plans, and assessment evaluations.
- Attend Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings related to CPS assessments.
- Attend court hearings (Permanency hearings, criminal charges, and Juvenile court) related to CPS assessments.
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:
- Experience building collaborative relationships with community partners, agency staff, clients, and impacted communities.
- Experience preparing detailed narrative documentation and court reports for individual client cases, including case activities, client interactions, and other pertinent observations for judicial proceedings.
- Experience engaging and communicating with diverse populations.
- Experience adopting trauma-informed practices that consider individual needs, safety, trust-building, and cultural sensitivity.
- Experienced in effective communication with individuals via telephone and face-to-face interactions, as well as presenting and testifying in court.
- Proficient in navigating technology, inputting, and retrieving data, and using various computer systems or databases.
- Experience providing services and resources to children and families in social services settings.
Attention all candidates!
- Application materials are screened for minimum qualifications and essential attributes to determine if you advance in the selection process. Clearly describe how you meet these requirements in your application materials.
- Your application materials are used to determine your starting salary range. Please ensure any education and experience information, you would like considered are included in your application materials.
- Note: If attaching a resume and/or cover letter, please uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. You can attach multiple files in this area at once.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: 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
- Your work will be conducted in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites.
- Occasional travel is required for attending meetings, trainings, providing transportation, and other case related activities.
- Employee will work a professional work week; hours of work may fluctuate based on service needs.
- Occasional, compensated overtime may be required, including evening and weekend work.
- In this role, you will handle sensitive issues related to trauma, abuse, substance use, and crises.
- You will interact with a diverse range of individuals, including those who have experienced trauma and may struggle with emotional regulation.
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: REQ-177562.
- Recruiter: Amanda Alvarado.
- Email: AMANDA.K.ALVARADO@odhs.oregon.gov
- Phone (call or text): 541-709-8695.
