Social Service Specialist . Child Protective Services; CPS Worker or Permanency Worker. Bilin

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

Social Service Specialist 1 – Child Protective Services (CPS) Worker or Permanency Worker. Bilingual English/Spanish Required.

• Respond to assigned referrals of alleged child abuse/neglect, conduct assessments, and determine whether abuse or neglect has occurred.
• Make protective decisions and arrange medical evaluation for children.
• Locate community programs, support groups, and parenting classes.
• Arrange substitute care placement for children taken into care.
• Attend court hearings (permanency, criminal, juvenile) and present evidence and recommendations.
• Attend MDT meetings and complete necessary court documentation, petitions, reports, and affidavits.
• Maintain ongoing contact with children, monitor safety and well‑being, and facilitate visitation with parents or guardians.
• Provide case management services, referrals, and regular coordination with service providers for parents and children.
• Develop case plans with legal parents, extended family, and community partners; communicate expectations and timelines clearly.
• Assess academic goals and work with parents and schools to meet them.
• Complete documentation requirements of OAR, policy, and procedure; maintain case files and data.
• Attend citizens review board reviews, provide verbal and written reports.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field.
• OR a bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services plus additional experience (see below).
• OR an associate degree with relevant experience.
• Bachelor’s degree must be completed, not in progress.

• Ability to work independently and with a team.
• Experience using trauma‑informed de‑escalation techniques.
• Excellent time management, organization, and prioritization skills.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, in a variety of settings.
• Culturally competent approach when working with diverse populations.
• Proficiency in word processing and navigating databases.
• Experience alone does not meet the minimum qualification; a completed degree is required.

• Work with challenging and sometimes hostile clients, including in unsafe or unsanitary home environments.
• Requires a valid Oregon driver’s license; some travel is required, including weekends or evenings.
• Work requires a flexible schedule to provide planned services; occasional compensated overtime may be required.
• Work performed in office and field, including client homes; families served may be mandated, hostile, or resistant.
• Requires computer proficiency with Outlook, Microsoft Word, and state systems.

• Criminal history and background check required for finalists.
• FBI CJIS fingerprint‑based criminal records check required.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record required.
• ODHS does not offer visa sponsorship; I‑9 must be completed within three days of hire.

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Annual salary increases until reaching the top of the salary range.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Veterans’ preference information and application instructions available.

• This is a permanent, full‑time position represented by SEIU.
• The recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

• Recruiter:
  Brent Lawrence – for accommodation requests, application questions or job‑specific inquiries.
• Email: brent.lawrencegon.gov