Child Protective Services Worker; Social Service Specialist

Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist
1)

Newport, Rhode Island, United States

Sep 9, 2026

$4,954 - $7,592/month

Initial Posting Date:

09/09/2026

Final date to receive applications:

09/23/2026

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! Imagine a role where you engage with children, families, resource parents and caregivers to achieve safety and optimal outcomes for Oregon’s children and families. Imagine yourself conducting child safety assessments through an equity and culturally relevant lens. If you're looking to make a difference and this sounds intriguing, this Child Protective Services Worker position may be for you!

We are currently seeking a Child Protective Services (CPS) Worker (Social Service Specialist
1) to join our Child Welfare team based in our Newport office
. This is an in-person position
.

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, interviewing children, families and contacts.

Observe home environments, conduct child safety assessments, and make determinations of abuse or neglect, taking protective action when necessary.

Develop service plans to meet the needs of children and families.

Arrange medical evaluations, placements, and connect families with services and resources.

Create reports, safety plans, assessment evaluations, case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations.

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 services;

OR

• A bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services AND either:

OR

• An associate degree AND either:

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.

We are looking for candidates with:

Experience building and maintaining professional relationships with clients, community partners, and colleagues.

Experience organizing and prioritizing work to meet established deadlines and manage competing responsibilities.

Experience working effectively with people from diverse backgrounds using culturally responsive practices.

Experience de-escalating tense situations and responding to conflict using appropriate conflict-resolution or behavior-management techniques.

Experience preparing clear, objective written documentation , such as case plans, court reports, narratives, or observations.

Experience communicating sensitive or difficult information with empathy, professionalism, and consideration for individual and family needs.

Experience applying…