Child Protective Services Worker; Social Service Specialist

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.

A Cover Letter is required. If you do not submit a Cover Letter, your application will be declined.

Please make sure your application materials, resume and job history, are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range.

The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification.

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 seek to fill a position in our North Bend office! This is located on the southern Oregon Coast (not in Central Oregon).

The city of North Bend is located along the southern Oregon coast. North Bend is home to the towering 500‑foot sand dunes of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, historic McCullough Memorial Bridge, beautiful Horsfall Beach and plenty of quaint shops, antique stores and restaurants. Adventures of all kinds await in North Bend!

Want to calculate your commute time? Check out this mileage and driving distance calculator!

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.
• Proactively seek interpretation and cross‑agency coordination as required, consistent with ORS 419B.021 and other applicable regulations.

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 service, or a bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services and either:

• One 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 years of Human Services related experience, or;
• One year of Human Services related experience and related training, coursework or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.

• Experience working both independently and with a team.
• Experience utilizing time management, organization, and prioritization skills to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated experience writing clearly, thoroughly, and concisely with minimal spelling or grammar issues.
• Experience working well with people from a wide variety of backgrounds through a culturally competent lens.
• Experience using Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Experience in a helping profession that has at least some…