Child Protective Services (Social Service Specialist 1)

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Step into a transformative role where your passion for the well-being of children and your ability to connect with families come together to create lasting change. Become a catalyst for positive impact in the lives of Oregon’s children and their loved ones. Are you ready to unlock the potential within every family—and make a real difference?

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 and determine whether child abuse or neglect has occurred. 
• Gather information through interviews with parents and children. 
• Observe and analyze the safety of home environments. 
• Gather collateral information from school personnel, doctors, therapists, and law enforcement officers. 
• Fulfill documentation requirements and enter info into databases. 
• Arrange medical evaluations and substitute care placement for children. 
• Present and testify in court. 

Interested in learning more? Here are some testimonials from current ODHS Workers.

Pursuant to ORS 419B.021, states that any position engaged in child protective investigations and/or custody determinations must meet the educational requirements. Experience alone will not meet the minimum qualifications for those positions. Degree must be completed, not in progress. 

• 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.
• 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.
• Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint-based criminal records check. 
• Pursuant to ORS 419B.021, states that any position engaged in child protective investigations and/or custody determinations must meet the educational requirements. Experience alone will not meet the minimum qualifications for those positions. Degree must be completed, not in progress. 

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position, And

• 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: 

o   One year of Human Services related experience, or; 

o   Completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency, or; 

• An associate degree and either: 

o   Two years of Human Services related experience, or; 

o   One year of Human Services related experience and related training, coursework or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency. 

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience screening and assessing clients’ needs to determine appropriate community and culturally responsive resources, as well as partnering agency programs or services.
• Experience preparing and maintaining thorough records, such as reports, narratives, and observations.
• Demonstrated understanding of working with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated experience to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. This includes experience in writing clearly and concisely using plain language appropriate for diverse audiences, conveying information with clarity, and tailoring communication style to suit different stakeholders.
• Experience organizing tasks, prioritizing responsibilities, and managing time to meet deadlines.
• Proficient in computer applications, including Microsoft Word or various database software programs.

• Your work will be conducted in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites. 

• Employee’s work schedule will be Monday – Friday 8AM-5PM; hours may fluctuate based on service needs. Occasional compensated overtime during evening and weekend work may be required.   

• This position may be required to participate in an on-call rotation for mandatory on call for child protective services. 

• The duties in this position include work with challenging Oregonians.

• A valid Oregon Driver’s license is required. Frequent travel is required. Some travel may be hours away. Some travel may be in hazardous weather conditions. 

• You may interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions. 

• Walking into stressful situations that may require quick decision-making skills to ensure safety of those being serviced and own physical safety. This may also be trauma inducing.

A cover letter is required.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 State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.
• 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.

• 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.

Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard preference:

• Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.

• 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.

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. Please include the REQ# when corresponding.  
• Email: Sugei.Hernandez@odhs.oregon.gov