Child Protective Services Worker; Social Services Specialist Dallas

Job Title

Child Protective Services Worker (Social Services Specialist
1) Dallas

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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 (1) 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 (2) years of Human Services related experience; OR
  • One (1) year of Human Services related experience and related training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.

• Experience with crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and behavior management.
• In depth knowledge of trauma impact and child development.
• Experience using critical thinking skills to make quick decisions while maintaining a professional and collaborative posture.
• Experience articulating observations and communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse audiences.
• Experience mentoring and engaging with families to identify and implement strategies for successful client engagement.
• Experience connecting families to community and family supports to achieve least restrictive outcomes.

• 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 Pacific Time; hours may fluctuate based on service needs.
• There may be an opportunity for some remote workdays, which will need to be discussed and approved by the manager.
• Occasional, compensated overtime and after‑hours work is required, including evening and weekend work.
• Employee will be on a rotating on‑call schedule, including evening or weekend work.
• You may interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions.
• 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.
• May encounter situations requiring quick decision‑making to ensure the safety of oneself or others.
• Activities include traversing stairs, moving on uneven terrain, and helping children (weighing up to 50 pounds) in and out of car seats.

• If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification.
• Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint‑based criminal records check.
• The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three…