Generalist Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1)

Initial Posting Date:

06/09/2025

Application Deadline:

06/24/2025

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$4,833.00 - $7,407.00 USD Monthly

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Generalist 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.

This job posting is open until filled; applications will be screened every two weeks. Please apply now, as this posting may be closed at any time when a sufficient candidate pool is established. This is an ongoing selection process, and we will be scheduling interviews throughout the process.

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 position may be for you!

We are currently seeking to fill Child Protective Services Worker Positions (Social Service Specialist 1) to join our Child Welfare team based in our Baker City office. Baker City is located in rural Eastern Oregon.

To learn more about our Baker City Child Welfare career opportunities,

Please join us for a short info-session. You will have a chance to ask questions about the role.

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

12pm-12.30pm Pacific Time

OR

Monday, June 23, 2025

4pm-4.30pm Pacific Time

Meeting via Microsoft Teams, use this link:

Join the meeting now

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 Generalist Caseworker Social Service Specialist1), you will:

• Perform the work of a Child Protective Services (CPS) Worker, and Permanency Worker.

• Conduct child safety assessments of alleged child abuse or neglect to determine if a child has been or is at risk of being harmed.

• Engage with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers in a multitude of ways to achieve safety, permanency and well-being of Oregon's children.

• Identify and seek relative caregivers, foster parents, and adoptive parents.

• Per 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 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:

• Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated and manage using time management to meet mandated deadlines.

• Demonstrated knowledge about trauma-informed care.

• Experience writing documents or reports in plain language using correct grammar/spelling.

• Experience giving verbal presentations and adjusting communication style to the receiving audience.

• Experience setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care.

• Demonstrated ability to come up with innovative solutions to problems.

• Demonstrated ability to be an active listener and manage one's own emotions, as well as the emotions of others.

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 be conducted in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites.

• This position requires working a flexible schedule as a condition of employment with a normal workday of 8 hours, from 8 AM to 5 PM; however, working hours may be adjusted within a given week, to provide planned services. Occasional compensated overtime will be required, including evening, overnight or weekend hours may be required.

• You will have frequent local travel. Occasional travel may be hours away. On rare occasions, you will have overnight travel. The purpose of travel will be to transport children and connect with family members.

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

• A valid Driver's License from the state in which the employee resides.

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.

• Per 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.

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).

• The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect an additional 6.95%.

• 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 Yvette Medford. Please include the REQ# when corresponding.

• Email: yvette.c.medford@odhs.oregon.gov

• Phone (call or text): 541-709-0306

Come for a job. | Stay for a career. | Make a difference... for a lifetime!