Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

Initial Posting Date:

07/23/2025

Application Deadline:

07/30/2025

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:

Job Posting

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!

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?

We are currently seeking a Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) to join our team based in the Portland office on NE Glisan Street.

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:

• Protect children's safety and support families by engaging with them, resource parents, and caregivers. 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. You will also address necessary care and needs levels of the children and families.

• Analyzing collected information, you will determine appropriate child placement, considering each family's unique circumstances.

• You will create reports, case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations in office, community, or legal settings.

• 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.

Degree must be completed, not in progress. Experience alone will not meet the minimum qualifications for those positions.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience building collaborative relationships with community partners, agency staff, clients, and impacted communities.

• Experience preparing detailed narrative documentation and court reports for individual client cases, including case activities, client interactions, and other pertinent observations for judicial proceedings.

• Experience working with diverse populations. Experience adopting trauma-informed practices that consider individual needs, safety, trust-building, and cultural sensitivity.

• Experienced in effective communication with individuals via telephone and face-to-face interactions, as well as presenting and testifying in court.

• Proficient in navigating technology, inputting, and retrieving data, and using various computer systems or databases.

• Experience providing services and resources to children and families in social services settings.

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, include that degrees are complete and the field they are in.

• 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.

• Employee's work schedule will be Monday - Friday; hours may fluctuate based on service needs. Occasional compensated overtime during evening and weekend work may be required.

• Frequent travel is required for attending meetings, trainings, and other case related activities.

• This position may require rare overnight travel.

• Employee will work a professional work week; hours of work may fluctuate based on service needs. Occasional, compensated overtime may be required, including evening and weekend work.

• Employee will be on a rotating on-call schedule. The rotating on-call schedule will include evening or weekend work.

• In this role, you will encounter sensitive material related to trauma, abuse, substance use, and crisis situations. Our team prioritizes a trauma-informed approach, creating a safe environment for both clients and staff.

• You will interact with a diverse range of individuals, including those who have experienced trauma and may struggle with emotional regulation. This position may involve handling stressful situations that demand rapid decision-making skills.

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.

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!