Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

Introduction 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. Location Primary location: Child Welfare Pendleton Office. Floater to support both Pendleton and Hermiston offices with Pendleton office as the base. Floater to support both Pendleton and Hermiston offices with Hermiston office as the base. 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. Responsibilities 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 information into databases. Arrange medical evaluations and substitute care placement for children. Present and testify in court. Minimum Qualifications A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record. Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field. Or a bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services and either: One year of Human Services related experience. Completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency. Or an associate degree and either: Two years of Human Services related experience. One year of Human Services related experience and related training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency. Essential Attributes Prior transferrable experience assessing the safety of children, assessing the protective capabilities of parents/caregivers, working concurrent plans and creating plans for children. Experience engaging and building partnerships with clients (parents & children), community organizations, agency staff, and affected communities. Experience organizing tasks, prioritizing responsibilities, and managing time to meet deadlines. Experience designing and managing effective organizational structures and workflows. Demonstrates strong multitasking skills and consistently performs well in high‑velocity settings. Experience preparing and maintaining thorough records, such as reports, narratives, and observations. Working Conditions Work conducted in offices, participant’s homes, and other community sites. Work schedule Monday–Friday 8 am–5 pm PT; hours may fluctuate based on service needs. Occasional overtime during evenings and weekends may be required. Required to participate in an on‑call rotation for child protective services. Frequent travel required; may be hours away and in hazardous weather conditions. Interaction with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling emotions. Walking into stressful situations requiring quick decision‑making to ensure safety of service recipients and personal safety; may be trauma‑inducing. Application Requirements Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Include detailed work and education history. 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, or graduation dates during the application process. Use of outside resources such as AI software during assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated. Unauthorized use will result in disqualification. Background Checks & Requirements Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, completion of US DHS I‑9 form and E‑Verify confirmation is required. If selected as a finalist, a criminal history and background check will be conducted. Adverse history may lead to disqualification. Finalists must be cleared by the FBI CJIS through a fingerprint‑based criminal records check. Educational requirements must be met as per ORS 419B.021; experience alone does not satisfy qualifications. Benefits ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning. Cost-of‑living adjustments. Annual salary increases (until top of listed salary range). Comprehensive benefits package. Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Employment Preference Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications will be awarded candidate preference. General Information Permanent, full‑time position represented by SEIU. Salary range is non‑PERS monthly. PERS members receive a 6.95% increase upon eligibility. Recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification. Contact Information Recruiter: Yvette Medford. Include REQ# when corresponding. Email: View email address on click.appcast.io Phone (call or text): View phone number on click.appcast.io Come for a job. Stay for a career. Make a difference… for a lifetime! #J-18808-Ljbffr Oregon Department of Human Services