Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

Initial Posting Date: 06/10/2026 Application Deadline: 06/21/2026 Agency: Department of Human Services Salary Range: $4,954 - $7,592 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Child Protective Services Worker (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. Opportunity awaits! Join our Grants Pass Child Welfare team as a Child Protective Services Worker and be the bridge that connects families, understands their dynamics, and makes a lasting impact on those in need in Oregon! If you are looking to make a difference, this Child Protective Services Worker position may be for you! Summary of Duties As a Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1), you will: Investigate reports of safety concerns for Oregon's children and families. This includes conducting child safety assessments of alleged child abuse or neglect, evaluating whether a child has been or is currently at risk of being harmed and, if needed, determining appropriate services to ensure child safety. Engage with children, families, resource parents and caregivers in a multitude of ways to achieve the safety and optimal outcomes for Oregon’s children and families. All engagement will be conducted through a trauma-informed and antiracist lens. Conduct child safety assessments of alleged child abuse or neglect to determine if a child has been or is at risk of being harmed. Balance the needs of the child and the family in conjunction with balancing legal requirements. Conduct assessment and fact-finding interviews to assess mental, physical, environmental, and social status of the caregiver. Analyze interview information to determine appropriate child placement. All determinations are made in consideration of each family's unique circumstances. Gather collateral information from school personnel, doctors, therapists, and law enforcement officers. Fulfill documentation requirements and enter info into databases. Arrange medical evaluations and substitute care placement for children. Present and testify in court. Minimum Qualifications 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. 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: Experience communicating effectively with diverse audiences, adapting messaging as needed, and writing reports that analyze situations and provide recommendations. Experience engaging with children and families in challenging situations, gathering critical information, and making informed decisions that respect their backgrounds, language, and culture. Experience using problem-solving and creative thinking, finding solutions that meet the unique needs of families. Experience working collaboratively in teams, consistently contributing and stepping in to support colleagues. Experience committing to equity and trauma-informed practices, ensuring fairness and sensitivity when working with people from different backgrounds. Experience managing a demanding workload, handling multiple tasks under pressure, and meeting deadlines in fast-paced environments. Experience handling emotionally escalated situations, maintaining composure under stress, and managing high intensity work effectively. Working Conditions Employee's work may be conducted in offices, participants’ homes, and other community sites. Travel is required based on business needs. Work involves being available to clients by phone and in the field. Working hours may need to be adjusted to provide planned services. Occasional paid overtime during evenings and on weekends may be required. You may interact with individuals who have experienced trauma and have difficulty controlling their emotions. This position can be unpredictable and challenging on occasion. This position requires frequent activity including, climbing stairs, walking on uneven terrain, assisting children into and out of car seats, this may include lifting, up to 50 pounds. 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. Your application materials are used to determine your starting salary range. Please ensure that all education and experience you would like considered are included in your application materials. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. You can attach multiple files in this area at once. The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process. 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. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: 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. 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’ 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. General Information 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. Contact Information Please contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and application or Job-specific questions. Please include the job requisition number. The recruiter for this position is Yvette Medford. Please include the 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! Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative. We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon “flies with her own wings.”