Child Protective Services (Social Service Specialist 1), Bilingual Spanish/English Preferred but NOT Required

Initial Posting Date

04/11/2025

Application Deadline

04/27/2025

Agency

Department of Human Services

Salary Range

$4,833 - $7,407

Position Type

Employee

Position Title

Child Protective Services (Social Service Specialist 1), Bilingual Spanish/English Preferred but NOT Required

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.

You do not need to be bilingual to apply or be considered for this position. If you are bilingual in English and Spanish, we encourage you to apply! We serve diverse communities and recognize the importance of serving people in their preferred language. If interested in using your bilingual language skills, upon passing the test, you will receive 5% bilingual differential pay.

Opportunity awaits! Build rapport with families, understand their uniqueness, and learn how each family functions. Join us in making a difference in the lives of children and families in need of support and resources.

We are recruiting for a Child Protective Services Worker positions in our Hood River office.

The work of these positions is conducted in the community and in the Hood River ODHS, office located at:

1610 9th Ct, Hood River, OR 97031

Summary Of Duties

As a Child Protective Services Worker, you will:

• Protect children’s safety and support families through engagement with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers while using a trauma-informed and antiracist approach.
• Navigate the needs of the child and the family while balancing legal requirements.
• Conduct assessment and fact-finding interviews related to child safety, risk of abuse, neglect, or harm.
• Address necessary care and needs levels of the children and families.
• Analyze collected information and determine appropriate child placement while considering each family’s unique circumstances.
• Create reports, take case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations in office, community, and legal settings.
  
  

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 successfully both with a team and independently while managing your time efficiently.
• Verbal and written communication skills that include demonstrated experience a responsive and reliable resource for others.
• Demonstrated knowledge about crisis intervention, conflict resolution, behavior management, and the impact of trauma.
• Experience conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly when creating or reviewing documents.
  
  

Preference will be given to candidates that are bilingual in English and Spanish.

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.

• 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.
• 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 take place in the community and in the local Hood River ODHS office.
• You will work a professional work week where the hours of work fluctuate on a daily and weekly basis to meet service needs. Occasional compensated overtime will be required, including evening and weekend work.
• You will have frequent local travel for the purpose of attending meetings, trainings and working on case-related activities. Occasionally, you will have overnight travel.
• You will be on a rotating on-call schedule. The rotating on-call schedule will include evening or weekend work. The on-call schedule is sent out in advance to support adequate planning.
• You will interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions.
• You may encounter situations that require quick decision-making to ensure safety of yourself and others.
  
  

Background Checks And Requirements

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.
• 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 Group communities that promote shared learning.
• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
• Amazing benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for the Public 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 Sugei Hernandez. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-178453
• Email: Sugei.Hernandez@odhs.oregon.gov
• Phone (call or text): 971-375-867.