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
, guided by our Equity North Star and vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture. We encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

• Investigate reports of safety concerns for Oregon's children and families, including child safety assessments of alleged abuse or neglect.
• Determine risk to children and decide appropriate services to ensure child safety.
• Engage with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers through a trauma‑informed and antiracist lens to achieve safety and optimal outcomes.
• Conduct assessment and fact‑finding interviews to assess mental, physical, environmental, and social status of caregivers.
• Analyze interview information to determine appropriate child placement.
• Gather collateral information from schools, doctors, therapists, and law enforcement officers.
• Enter documentation into databases and fulfill documentation requirements.
• Arrange medical evaluations and substitute care placement for children.
• Present and testify in court.

• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field.
• Or bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services plus 1 year of human services–related experience.
• Or completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
• Or associate degree plus 2 years of human services–related experience.
• Or associate degree plus 1 year of human services–related experience and related training or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.

• Communicating effectively with diverse audiences, adapting messaging, and writing analytical reports.
• Engaging with children and families in challenging situations, gathering critical information, and making informed decisions respecting backgrounds, language, and culture.
• Problem‑solving and creative thinking to meet unique family needs.
• Collaborating in teams, contributing, and supporting colleagues.
• Commitment to equity and trauma‑informed practices.
• Managing a demanding workload under pressure, meeting deadlines in fast‑paced environments.
• Handling emotionally escalated situations, maintaining composure under stress, and managing high‑intensity work.

Work may be conducted in offices, participants’ homes, and community sites. Travel is required. Availability to clients by phone and in the field is expected. Working hours may be adjusted to provide planned services and occasional paid overtime during evenings and weekends may be required. The role involves frequent physical activity, including walking on uneven terrain, climbing stairs, and lifting up to 50 pounds.

Background checks will be conducted, including criminal history. Candidates must clear FBI CJIS fingerprint check.

• Cost of living adjustments.
• Annual salary increases up to the top of the salary range.
• Health, dental, vision, and other standard benefits.
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Veterans and Oregon National Guard preference.

The Oregon Department of Human Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.