Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) Multiple Openings! 2 Locations

Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist
1)

Salary range: $4,954.00 – $7,592.00 monthly.

Location:

Hermiston and Pendleton offices (one position primarily in Hermiston; one floater supporting both).

The Oregon Department of Human Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer guided by our Equity North Star. We encourage applications from historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others.

• 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.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services or a related field, or a bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services plus one year of related experience or completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
• Associate degree plus two years of Human Services related experience, or one year of related experience and related training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Completion of all educational requirements (degree must be completed, not in progress).

• Proficient verbal and written communication skills, including clear, plain-language writing.
• Experience preparing and maintaining thorough records such as reports, narratives, and observations.
• Ability to screen and assess clients’ needs to determine appropriate community and culturally responsive resources.
• Experience engaging and building partnerships with clients (parents & children), community organizations, agency staff, and affected communities.
• Demonstrated organization, prioritization, and time-management skills to meet deadlines.
• Computer proficiency.
• Experience assessing safety of children, assessing protective capacities of parents/caregivers, and developing case plans.

The work is conducted in offices, participants’ homes, and community sites. The employee’s schedule is Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. PT, with possible fluctuations based on service needs. Occasional compensated overtime during evenings and weekends may be required. The position requires participation in an on-call rotation for mandatory child protective services and frequent travel, sometimes hours away, and sometimes in hazardous weather conditions.

The role involves working with individuals who have experienced trauma and may demonstrate emotional challenges. Quick decision-making skills are necessary for ensuring safety for those served and the employee’s physical safety.

• Cost of living adjustments and annual salary increases.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility.
• Benefits package (health, dental, vision, retirement, etc.).
• Employee Resource Group communities and shared learning opportunities.
• Cost of living adjustments, annual salary increases, and PERS adjustments for eligible members.

Veterans and Oregon National Guard service members who meet the qualifications are awarded candidate preference.

Recruiter:
Yvette Medford
Email: yvette.c.medfordgon.gov
Phone: