Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

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Reedsport sits along Oregon’s scenic South Coast, surrounded by the Umpqua River, forests, and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. With small-town charm, abundant outdoor recreation, and stunning coastal scenery, Reedsport offers a welcoming place to live and work!

• City of Reedsport – learn what Reedsport and the surrounding area have to offer!

• Reedsport ODHS office – understand where Reedsport is located.

• Mileage and driving distance calculator – calculate your commute.

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, families and contacts.

• Observe home environments, conduct child safety assessments, and make determinations of abuse or neglect, taking protective action when necessary.

• Develop 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. 

Interested in learning more? Here are some testimonials from current ODHS Workers and an informational session regarding these positions found here: https://youtu.be/DghnA4oDx_Q

A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.

• A bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a field related to human services;

• 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;

• 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.

We are looking for candidates with:

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  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.

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  Please upload a resume or complete the work history profile. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.

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  If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is listed as a minimum qualification for the position, please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process.

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• Your work schedule will be Monday - Friday from 8 am - 5 pm PT on-site in Reedsport, OR; hours may fluctuate based on service needs. Remote opportunities will not be available.

• Occasional compensated overtime during evening and weekend work may be required. 

• Your position involves regular travel, including long-distance travel and travel in hazardous weather conditions. Some travel may occur in remote locations without reliable cell service.

• Occasional overnight travel may be required.

• After your first six months, you will begin participating in the on-call rotation that supports child protective services. 

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

• Activities include traversing stairs, moving on uneven terrain, and helping children (weighing up to 40 pounds) in and out of car seats. 

• Your role involves handling sensitive topics related to trauma, abuse, and crises, requiring a trauma-informed approach that is essential to ensure a safe environment.

• You may interact with individuals who have experienced trauma and may have difficulty managing their emotions.

• Be prepared for stressful situations that require quick decision-making to ensure safety for yourself and others.

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 Heather Whelan. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-206749.

• Email: Heather.S.Whelan@odhs.oregon.gov

• Phone (call or text): 503-979-8682