Child Protective Services Worker; Social Service Specialist ! Locations

Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist
1)

This announcement will remain open until filled. We reserve the right to close this position should a satisfactory number of qualified candidates apply. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application materials without delay in applying! The initial application screening process will be every 2 weeks.

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! Step into a transformative role where your passion for the well-being of children and your ability to connect with families come together to create lasting change. Become a catalyst for positive impact in the lives of Oregon's children and their loved ones. Are you ready to unlock the potential within every family—and make a real difference?

We are currently seeking to fill multiple openings for Child Protective Services Workers (Social Service Specialist 1 Positions) and join our teams in the Hermiston and Pendleton offices.

These positions work in the Hermiston and/or Pendleton offices and communities daily.

• One position will be primarily located at the Child Welfare Hermiston Office.
• One position designated as a floater to support both the Hermiston and Pendleton offices with the Hermiston office as the base location.

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.

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.
• Completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
• OR an associate degree and either:
• Two years of Human Services related experience.
• One year of Human Services related experience and related training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.

Essential Attributes

• Demonstrated proficient verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write in plain language and communicate clearly.
• Experience preparing and maintaining thorough records, such as reports, narratives, and observations.
• Experience screening and assessing client's needs to determine appropriate community and culturally responsive resources, as well as partnering agency programs or services.
• Experience engaging and building partnerships with clients (parents & children), community organizations, agency staff, and affected communities.
• Experience organizing tasks, prioritizing responsibilities, and managing time to meet deadlines.
• Experience demonstrating computer proficiency.
• Prior experience assessing safety of children, assessing protective capacities of parents/care givers, and developing case plans.

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 have experienced trauma and may…