Child Protective Services Worker; Social Service Specialist

Initial Posting Date: 05/29/2026
• Final date to receive applications: 06/07/2026.

We are seeking a Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist
1) to work in our John Day, Oregon office. The role involves engaging with children, families, and community resources to ensure safety and optimal outcomes for Oregon’s children.

• 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.
• Collect 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.

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field (degree must be completed, not in progress).
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Experience as required per ORS 419B.021: either one year of human services related experience with an associate degree, or two years of experience with an associate degree, or bachelor’s degree as specified.

• Experience providing services and resources to children and families.
• Expertise in conducting assessment and fact‑finding interviews related to child safety, risk of abuse, neglect, or harm.
• Strong documentation skills for case plans, court reports, and investigative reports.
• Analytical and critical‑thinking ability in high‑pressure situations, with skills to defuse confrontational scenarios.
• Ability to build partnerships with community organizations and agency staff.

The position requires working in offices, participant homes, and community sites. It entails a flexible schedule, participation in an on‑call rotation, frequent travel—including to remote areas and during inclement weather—and engagement with individuals who may have experienced trauma.

• Health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement plan with cost of living adjustments and annual increases.
• Access to ODHS Employee Resource Groups.
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Veteran and National Guard preference.

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