Child Protective Services CPS; Social Service Specialist

Position Title

Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist
1)

Location: Gresham (SE 223rd Avenue)

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Oregon Department of Human Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from 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 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.

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position. And
• 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.

• Experience screening and assessing clients’ needs to determine appropriate community and culturally responsive resources, as well as partnering agency programs or services.
• Experience preparing and maintaining thorough records, such as reports, narratives, and observations.
• Demonstrated understanding of working with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated proficient verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write in plain language and communicate clearly.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively to meet deadlines, and utilize computer skills proficiently.

• Your work will be conducted in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites.
• Employee’s work schedule will be Monday
  - Friday from 8am-5pm 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 have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions.
• Walking into stressful situations that may require quick decision-making skills to ensure safety of those being serviced and own physical safety. This may also be trauma inducing.

• 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.

• 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.

• This is a permanent, full-time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
• The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.
• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

• 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.
• 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.