Child Protective Services Worker; Social Service Specialist

Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist
1)

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 child deserves to feel safe, supported, and seen. In this role, you will connect with families during vulnerable times and help guide them toward stability, safety, and hope. Your compassion can be the difference that helps a child thrive.

We are currently seeking a Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist
1) to join our team in our Baker City office. Baker City is part of rural Eastern Oregon.

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 (CPS) Worker, you will:

• Respond to referrals and determine whether child abuse or neglect has occurred.
• Gather information through interviews with parents and children.
• Observe and analyze the safety of home environments.
• Gather collateral information from school personnel, doctors, therapists, and law enforcement officers.
• Fulfill documentation requirements and enter info into databases.
• Arrange medical evaluations and substitute care placement for children.
• Present and testify in court.

Interested in learning more? Here are some testimonials from current ODHS Workers.

Minimum Qualifications

Per 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.

• 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.

Essential Attributes

• Demonstrate ability to be self-motivated and manage your time well.
• Demonstrate ability to use trauma-informed practices that are sensitive to the child and family's lived experience, language, race, and culture.
• Demonstrate excellent written communication skills, including the ability to write in plain language with minimal spelling and grammar issues.
• Demonstrate ability to effectively engage with families under challenging and time-sensitive circumstances.
• Experience being a reliable resource for others and delivering high-quality work in a timely manner.
• Demonstrate ability to be an active listener and manage one's own emotions, as well as the emotions of others.

Working Conditions

• Your 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 during evening and weekend work may be required.
• This position will be required to participate in an on-call rotation for mandatory on call for child protective services.
• Frequent travel is required. Some travel may be hours away. Some travel may be in hazardous weather conditions.
• You may interact with a wide range of people including some who…