Child Protective Services Worker; Social Service Specialist

Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist
1)

Apply for the Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist
1) role at the Oregon Department of Human Services.

• Initial Posting Date: 01/07/2026
• Final date to receive applications: 01/21/2026
• Agency:
  Department of Human Services
• Salary Range: $4,833 - $7,407
• Position Type:
  Employee
• Position Title:
  
  Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist
  1)

The pay range is provided by the Oregon Department of Human Services. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience.

The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be 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 to help us achieve a diverse and inclusive community.

A cover letter is required; applications without one will be declined.

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. Conduct child safety assessments through an equity and culturally relevant lens. This position is located in the North Bend office on the southern Oregon Coast.

As an employee working within the Child Welfare Program, you will make a meaningful difference in the lives of Oregon’s most vulnerable children and families. Your dedication helps achieve the Child Welfare Vision for Transformation, supporting children and young adults to be safer, healthier, experience less trauma, and achieve 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 information into databases.
• Arrange medical evaluations and substitute care placement for children.
• Present and testify in court.
• Meet educational requirements per ORS 419B.021 for child protective investigations and custody determinations.

A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required.

• Degree:
  Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services with one of the following:
  • One year of Human Services related experience.
  • Completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
• Associate Degree with:
  • Two years of Human Services related experience.
  • One year of Human Services related experience and related training, coursework or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.

• Experience working independently and with a team.
• Time‑management, organization, and prioritization skills.
• Clear, thorough, and concise written communication.
• Cultural competence and experience working with diverse backgrounds.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Background in a helping profession with social work focus (e.g., teaching, law enforcement, medical care, domestic violence advocacy, CASA volunteer).

• This is an in‑person position: offices, participant homes, and community sites.
• Flexible schedule; normal 8‑hour days, 8 AM‑5 PM, with possible adjustments. Occasional overnight and weekend work may be required.
• Participation in an on‑call rotation for child protective services.
• Frequent travel, sometimes hours away and in hazardous conditions.
• Work may involve challenging, hostile clients and unsafe, unsanitary home environments.
• Interactions with people who have experienced trauma; quick decision‑making skills required for safety.
• Valid driver’s license required for this role.

• Criminal history and background check for finalists; adverse history may lead to disqualification.
• No visa sponsorship; I‑9 and E‑Verify compliance required.
• Finalists must clear an FBI CIJ through a fingerprint-based…