Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

Initial Posting Date

03/24/2025

Application Deadline

04/08/2025

Agency

Department of Human Services

Salary Range

$4,833 - $7,407

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 (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 safety and 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.
  
  

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.
• Frequent, mandatory, compensated overtime is 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.
  
  

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 thinking critically and analyzing complex situations and information to make logical and sound decisions.
• Demonstrated organizational skills that reflect effective time management, capability to prioritize multiple competing priorities, the ability to keep clear and concise documentation and notes.
• Experience taking initiative to engage in difficult tasks and time-consuming duties that prioritize child safety. Including willingness to work overtime as needed to accomplish duties.
• Demonstrated experience following instructions and directions, acting on tasks swiftly.
• Experience shifting focus in dynamic environments with changing priorities.
• Experience monitoring and assessing environments and activities to ensure the safety and well-being of children.
• Experience maintaining composure and professionalism while engaging hostile or challenging individuals.
  
  

Attention all candidates!

• A cover letter is required. 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.
  
  

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 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

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-177278.

• Recruiter: Amanda Alvarado.
• Email: AMANDA.K.ALVARADO@odhs.oregon.gov
• Phone (call or text): 541-709-8695.