Child Protective Services Worker; Social Service Specialist McMinnville

Job Title

Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist
1)

The Oregon Department of Human Services seeks a dedicated Child Protective Services (CPS) Worker to engage with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers. The role focuses on safety and optimal outcomes for Oregon’s children and families through child safety assessments, crisis management, and collaborative decision‑making.

• Safety and Support: Protect child safety and support families by engaging with them, resource parents, and caregivers using a trauma‑informed, antiracist approach.
• A Balancing Act: Navigate the needs of children and families while balancing legal requirements.
• Assessment and Interviews: Conduct assessments and fact‑finding interviews regarding child safety, abuse risk, neglect, or harm and determine care levels.
• Decision‑Making: Analyze information to determine appropriate child placement, taking into account each family’s circumstances.
• Communication: Create reports, case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations in office, community, or legal settings.

• A bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field OR a bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services combined with:
  • One (1) year of Human Services–related experience;
    OR completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
• An associate degree combined with:
  • Two (2) years of Human Services–related experience;
    OR one (1) year of experience plus related training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
• Degree must be completed, not in progress; experience alone does not meet the minimum qualifications.

• Experience with crisis intervention and conflict resolution, including trauma‑informed de‑escalation tactics and behavior management strategies.
• Critical thinking and rapid, sound decision‑making in time‑sensitive or tense situations.
• Ability to foster psychological safety, well‑being, and belonging, promoting a culture of equity and inclusion.
• Strong communication skills for complex information across diverse audiences, adapting style and incorporating feedback.
• Mentoring and engaging families to develop and implement strategies, connecting them to community supports for least restrictive outcomes.
• Professional handling of confidential information with honesty and integrity.
• Application of lessons learned to varying environments, welcoming constructive feedback.

• Cover Letter (required): 2‑page limit; describe how you meet the essential attributes and qualifications.
• Resume (optional) with detailed work history including month/year start and end dates.

• Schedule:
  
  Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm Pacific Time; flexible hours based on service needs.
• Work locations: offices, participant homes, community sites; occasional remote workdays subject to approval.
• Overtime and after‑hours work, including evenings and weekends, may be required.
• Rotating on‑call schedule, including evenings and weekends.
• Physical demands: traversing stairs, moving uneven terrain, assisting children up to 50lb.
• Exposure to trauma and crisis situations requiring a trauma‑informed approach.

• Finalists will undergo a criminal history and background check.
• CTI–FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) fingerprint‑based check required.
• Adverse history may lead to disqualification.

• Salary range: $4,954 – $7,592 per month.
• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Annual salary increases (up to top of range).
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
• Employee Resource Group communities.
• Possible eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Veterans and Oregon National Guard preference for eligible candidates.

Alissa Walker – recruiter
Email: ALISSA.WALKERgon.gov
Phone: 503‑519‑1807

The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, guided by our Equity North Star and a positive 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.