Child Protective Services Worker | Social Service Specialist

Position: Child Protective Services Worker | Social Service Specialist 1
Job Details

Initial Posting Date: 11/03/2026 Final date to receive applications: 11/17/2026 Agency:
Department of Human Services Salary Range: $4,954 - $7,592 Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:

Child Protective Services Worker | Social Service Specialist 1

Job Description

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 a Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist
1) to join our team in the Milton Freewater office. Frequent travel to Pendleton will be required during the first year for training and support. Milton Freewater is in northeastern Oregon, just 8 miles south of Walla Walla, Washington. Learn more about this community,

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.

• 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

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.

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

Essential Attributes

• Previous experience evaluating child safety, assessing parents’ or caregivers’ ability to protect their children, and developing concurrent and long‑term plans for child well‑being.
• 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 at designing and managing effective…