Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

Initial Posting Date: 11/06/2026 Application Deadline: 11/16/2026 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! 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 a Child Protective Services (CPS) Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) to join our Child Welfare team based in our Newport office. This is an in-person position.

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.

• Respond to referrals, interviewing 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, placements, and connect families with services and resources.
• Create reports, safety plans, assessment evaluations, case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations.

Interested in learning more? Here are some testimonials from current ODHS Workers and an informational session regarding these positions found here:

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

Essential Attributes

• Experience building and maintaining professional relationships with clients, community partners, and colleagues.
• Experience organizing and prioritizing work to meet established deadlines and manage competing responsibilities.
• Experience working effectively with people from diverse backgrounds using culturally responsive practices.
• Experience de-escalating tense situations and responding to conflict using appropriate conflict-resolution or behavior-management techniques.
• Experience preparing clear, objective written documentation, such as case plans, court reports, narratives, or observations.
• Experience communicating sensitive or difficult information with empathy, professionalism, and consideration for individual and family needs.
• Experience applying trauma-informed practices when working with individuals and families who have experienced trauma.

Working Conditions

Your work schedule will be Monday - Friday from 8 am - 5 pm PT fully on-site in Newport, 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. Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required. Occasional overnight travel may be required. After your first six months, 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 30 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 for this position. 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: 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 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.

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

The recruiter for this position is Heather Whelan.

Email: View email address on click.appcast.io

Phone (call or text): View phone number on click.appcast.io

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.'