Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

Job Information Position Title: Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) Agency: Department of Human Services Location: Lakeview, Oregon Salary: $4,954 - $7,592 Position Type: Employee Initial Posting Date: 06/11/2026 Application Deadline: 06/25/2026 Equal Opportunity Employer Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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 a diverse and inclusive community. Job Summary 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, interview 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 and placements, and connect families with services and resources. Create reports, safety plans, assessment evaluations, case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations. Minimum Qualifications A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required. A bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field. OR a bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services and either: One year of related experience; or Completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency. OR an associate degree and either: Two years of related experience; or One year of related experience and related training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency. Essential Attributes Experience managing competing deadlines by independently organizing workload and meeting timelines in a fast‑paced environment. Experience using trauma‑informed de‑escalation strategies in crisis situations, including collaborating with a team to ensure safety and follow‑up care. Experience using Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel) and entering or retrieving data from organizational databases. Experience collaborating with internal and external partners to complete shared projects or resolve client needs. Experience writing documents or reports that include a conclusion and recommended action (examples: case plans, court reports, investigative reports). Working Conditions Your work schedule will be Monday–Friday from 8 am – 5 pm PT on‑site in Lakeview, OR; hours may fluctuate based on service needs. 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 year, 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 50 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. Background Checks and Requirements A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required. If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint‑based criminal records check. The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the U.S. 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. 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 This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification. This is a permanent, full‑time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). 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, visit Veterans Resources. Contact Information The recruiter for this position is Heather Whelan. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ‑201658. Email: View email address on click.appcast.io Phone (call or text): View phone number on click.appcast.io #J-18808-Ljbffr Oregon Department of Human Services