Child Protective Services Worker; Social Service Specialist McMinnville

Position Information

Initial Posting Date: 06/15/2026

Final date to receive applications: 06/29/2026

Agency:
Department of Human Services

Salary Range: $4,954 - $7,592

Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:

Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist
1) Mc Minnville

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

As a CPS Worker, you will engage with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers to ensure safety and optimal outcomes for Oregon’s children and families. You will conduct child safety assessments through a culturally relevant and equity-informed lens.

• Protect children’s safety and support families by engaging with them, resource parents, and caregivers using a trauma‑informed and antiracist approach.
• Navigate the needs of the child and the family while balancing legal requirements.
• Conduct assessment and fact‑finding interviews related to child safety, risk of abuse, neglect or harm, and address care and needs levels for children and families.
• Analyze collected information and determine appropriate child placement, considering each family’s unique circumstances.
• 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 AND either
  • One (1) 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 (2) years of Human Services related experience; OR
  • One (1) year of Human Services related experience and related training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.

• Experience with crisis intervention and conflict resolution, applying trauma‑informed de‑escalation tactics and behavior management strategies while maintaining professionalism and fostering collaborative, peaceful resolutions.
• Experience with critical thinking and making rapid, sound decisions to navigate time‑sensitive or tense situations.
• Experience fostering psychological safety, well‑being, and belonging; promoting a culture of equity and inclusion that actively supports the ODHS mission.
• Experience communicating complex information to diverse audiences in both oral and written formats, adapting communication to varied learning and communication styles.
• Experience mentoring and engaging families to develop and implement successful strategies, connecting them to community and family supports.
• Experience handling confidential information with unwavering professionalism, holding self and others to high standards of honesty and integrity.
• Experience applying lessons‑learned to varying environments and situations; welcoming constructive feedback and suggestions to strengthen work performance.

• Work schedule Monday – Friday 8 am – 5 pm Pacific Time; hours may fluctuate based on service needs.
• Work conducted in offices, participants’ homes, and other community sites.
• Occasional remote workdays may be possible with manager approval.
• Occasional compensated overtime and after‑hours work, including evenings and weekends.
• On‑call rotating schedule, including evenings or weekends.
• Interaction with a wide range of people, including those who have experienced trauma.
• Role involves handling sensitive topics related to trauma, abuse, and crises, requiring a trauma‑informed approach.
• May require quick decision‑making to ensure safety.
• Activities include traversing stairs, moving on uneven terrain, and helping children (weighing up to 50 pounds) in and out of car seats.

• Selected finalists will undergo a criminal history and background check. Adverse history may lead to disqualification.
• Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint‑based check.
• US residents only; I‑9 and E‑Verify required upon hire.

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Annual salary increases (until reaching top of salary range).
• A comprehensive benefits package.
• Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

• Veterans and Oregon National Guard service members receive candidate preference if they meet the qualifications.

• Permanent, full‑time position represented by SEIU.
• This recruitment may fill future vacancies in the same classification.

Recruiter:
Alissa Walker

Job Requisition Number: (include when contacting)

Email: ALISSA.WALKERgon.gov

Phone:  (call or text)