Social Service Specialist 1 (Child Protective Services)

Initial Posting Date: 07/09/2026 Application Deadline: 07/16/2026 Agency: Department of Human Services Salary Range: $5,298 - $8,121 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Social Service Specialist 1 (Child Protective Services) Job Description: Job Posting 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! Ready to turn your passion for safeguarding children and strengthening families into a rewarding career? Look no further! The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking compassionate individuals to join our team and help us create lasting, positive transformations in the lives of Oregon's most vulnerable children and families. Join us as a Permanency Worker and be the bridge that connects families, understanding their dynamics and making a lasting impact on those in need in Oregon! If you are looking to make a difference, this Child Protective Services (CPS) Worker position may be for you! We are seeking a Child Protective Services (CPS) (Social Service Specialist 1) to join our Child Welfare team in CORVALLIS, OREGON. Together, we can make a lasting impact! 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. As a Child Protective Services Worker, you will: Safety & Wellbeing: You play a crucial part in helping families achieve their goals while ensuring the safety and well-being of children. Engagement: You engage with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers in various ways to promote safety, permanency, and optimal outcomes for Oregon’s children and families. Assessment and Interviews: Conduct assessment and fact-finding interviews related to child safety, risk of abuse, neglect, or harm. You will also address necessary care and needs levels of the children and families. Strategies: You develop and implement multi-level strategies that leverage family strengths and address areas for improvement. Decision-Making: Analyzing collected information, you will determine appropriate child placement, considering each family’s unique circumstances. Communication: You will create reports, case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations in office, community, or legal settings. Minimum Qualifications 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 of protecting children from abuse and neglect withing their own families, foster care homes, other out of home care settings. Experience in responding to assigned referrals regarding alleged child abuse or neglect when a field assessment is necessary. Experience making determination if abuse/neglect has occurred and taken action per OSSM as appropriate Experience in attending Court Hearings related to CPS Assessments Staff with DDA/AAG and/or Community Partners. Attention all candidates! A cover letter is required. 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. If you do not provide a Cover Letter, your application may be declined. Please make sure your application materials, including your resume and job history. Please confirm that you have an actual degree (the actual graduation date is not required). Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. Important: Please monitor both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment. You may be asked to submit additional information after initial application. The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) 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. The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PDT/PST) on the close date. Immediately after you submit your application, be sure to respond to the two questionnaires relating to public records requests and veterans’ preference. These questions are necessary to complete the application process. Working Conditions Work Locations: Offices, homes of participants, and community sites. Travel: Occasional travel for meetings, trainings, and other case related activities. This includes required occasional overnight travel. Hours: Regular work week with fluctuating hours; occasional overtime may be needed, including evenings and weekends. On-Call: You’ll be part of a rotating on-call schedule that includes evenings and weekends. Physical Requirements: Frequent physical activity, including lifting up to 50 pounds and assisting children with car seats. This 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 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. A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position. 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’ preference: Veterans’ preference information. How to submit your Veteran documents for preference. Please do not attach your Veterans’ preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application. Oregon National Guard. Form DA5016, DD214 or NGB22 Required. Eligible starting January 2026. 5% awarded. 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 We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions. The recruiter for this position is View email address on click.appcast.io If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number. 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.”