Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

*Note: Effective Feb. 1, 2026, the compensation plan for this position will be increased to reflect a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%. The salary listed in this posting does not reflect the COLA.

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 our Beaverton 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!  

Join our dedicated Child Welfare (CWP) team in Beaverton as a Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1). 

Together, we can create lasting change! 

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. 

To gain insight, watch this video on Child Protective Services operations.  

Minimum Qualifications  

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; 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 building collaborative relationships with community partners, agency staff, clients, and impacted communities. 

• Experience prioritizing work while managing competing priorities and deadlines. 

• Experience engaging with children and families under time-sensitive and challenging circumstances, to gather information and make informed decisions. 

• Experience writing reports, such as case plans, court reports and investigative reports that include conclusions and recommended action. 

• Experience defining and explaining complex rules and guidelines in a variety of settings. 

• Experience inputting and retrieve data efficiently and effectively. 

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. 

• Please make sure your application materials, including your resume and job history are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range. 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. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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 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. 

• Hours: Regular work week with fluctuating hours; occasional overtime may be needed, including evenings and weekends. 

• Travel: Occasional travel for meetings, trainings, and other case related activities. This includes required occasional overnight travel. 

• Physical Requirements: Frequent physical activity, including lifting up to 50 pounds and assisting children with car seats. 

• On-Call: You’ll be part of a rotating on-call schedule that includes evenings and weekends.  

• 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’ 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. 

• 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  

We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions.