What are the responsibilities and job description for the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) - Child Protective Services (CPS) Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1) position at Department of Human Services?
Initial Posting Date:
02/25/2025
Application Deadline:
03/12/2025
Agency:
Department of Human Services
Salary Range:
4833.00 - 7407.00
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) - Child Protective Services (CPS) Caseworker (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! Are you dedicated to working with American Indian and Alaskan Native children and their families, ensuring they receive the culturally appropriate care and support they deserve? Do you thrive on collaboration, and enjoy developing and improving relationships with diverse groups of people? Ready to make a difference? Join us as an Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) – Child Protective Service (CPS) Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1) and help shape a brighter future for all!
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 an ICWA CPS Caseworker, you will:
- Handle cases involving American Indian and Alaskan Native children and families.
- Act as an ICWA liaison, working with Tribal entities, community partners, and culturally relevant service providers to support children and families.
- Determine eligibility for Children and Family (CAF) services, develop and implement service plans, and manage payment for contracted services.
- Respond to reports of alleged child abuse or neglect and conduct family assessments using the Oregon Safety Model.
- Prepare and present court reports, including reviews by the Citizen Review Board (CRB) and dependency hearings, and make recommendations about custody and guardianship.
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 working with diverse groups, including Tribal and Native communities, community partners, agency staff, clients, and affected communities.
- Experience writing detailed case notes and court reports, documenting activities, interactions, and observations.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed practices, considering individual needs, safety, trust-building, and cultural sensitivity.
- Experience communicating clearly across various formats, including in person, phone, and electronic methods.
- Experience navigating technology, inputting, and retrieving data.
- Experience completing tasks as a team and individually.
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 materials, including providing 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 will be conducted in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites.
- Occasional travel is required for 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.
- Address sensitive issues related to trauma, abuse, substance use, and crises.
- Engage with a diverse range of individuals, including those who have experienced trauma and may face challenges with emotional regulation.
- 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
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 Amanda Alvarado. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-175586.
- Email: AMANDA.K.ALVARADO@odhs.oregon.gov
- Phone (call or text): 541-709-8695.
