Initial Posting Date:

11/05/2025

Application Deadline:

11/20/2025

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$4,833 - $7,407

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 best 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 (Social Service Specialist 1) position may be for you!

Summary of Duties

As a Child Protective Services Worker, you will:

Communicate with diverse populations using trauma-informed, fair, antiracist practices.
Respond to referrals interviewing children, parents, 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.

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 managing time, staying organized, and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines.
Experience de-escalating situations through behavior management and conflict resolution tools.
Experience using various computer systems or databases, including Microsoft 365 programs.
Experience fostering teamwork and partnerships both inside and outside the organization.
Experience drafting detailed documents that include conclusions and recommendations, keeping accuracy in spelling and grammar.
Experience prioritizing equity and applying methods that are mindful of trauma and cultural diversity.
Experience using critical thinking to name and solve problems.

Working Conditions

Work will be conducted in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites.
Employee’s work schedule will be Monday - Friday from 8 am - 5 pm PT; hours may fluctuate based on service needs.
Occasional, compensated overtime may be needed, including evening and weekend work.
Occasional travel is needed for transporting children and families, conducting case activities, and attending meetings or trainings. Some travel may be several hours away.
May work with individuals experiencing trauma or crisis. Some individuals may have challenges managing their emotions.
May encounter situations requiring quick decision-making to ensure the safety of oneself or others.

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.
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.

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-190279.

Recruiter: Amanda Alvarado.
Email: AMANDA.K.ALVARADO@odhs.oregon.gov
Phone (call or text): 541-709-8695.