Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

Initial Posting Date: 09/10/2026

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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!

Every day, Child Protective Services Workers step into moments that matter most. In this role you will ensure the safety and well-being of Oregon's children, navigating difficult situations with dignity, respect, and support. If you’re seeking meaningful work that blends critical thinking, collaboration, and human connection, this work may be exactly what you’re looking for.

Summary of Duties

As a Child Protective Services Worker , you will:

• Gather information through interviews and home observations to evaluate safety and risk in child abuse or neglect cases, taking protective action when necessary.

• Create safety and service plans that reflect each family's needs and connect them with medical, mental health, parenting, and community resources.

• Prepare correct case documentation, including reports, assessments, safety plans, and notes.

• Engage in child‑safety meetings and collaborate effectively with families, professionals, and community partners.

• Testify in court hearings and initiate court action when needed.

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.

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.

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, keeping composure under stress, and managing high intensity work effectively.

Working Conditions

• Work will take place in offices, participants’ homes, and various community locations.

• Frequent travel is required for transporting children or families and completing case‑related activities.

• Occasional overnight travel may be required.

• The work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm PT , with possible fluctuations based on service needs.

• There may be occasional requirements for compensated overtime, including evening and weekend hours.

• The employee will take part in a rotating on‑call schedule that includes evening and weekend work.

• You may interact with individuals experiencing trauma or emotional distress, and there may be times when individuals have difficulty managing their emotional responses.

• You may meet situations requiring quick decision‑making to ensure your safety or the safety of others.

• Activities may include traversing stairs, move across uneven terrain, and helping children (up to 50 pounds) in and out of car seats.

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: REQ-206276 .

• Recruiter: Amanda Alvarado.

• Email: View email address on aiapply.co

• Phone (call or text): View phone number on aiapply.co.