Child Protective Services Worker; Social Service Specialist

Job Title: Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist
1)

Location: Lakeview, Oregon

Agency: Department of Human Services

Initial Posting Date: 06/11/2026 |
Final date to receive applications: 06/25/2026

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) seeks a dedicated professional to work as a Child Protective Services (CPS) Worker, engaging with children, families, and community partners to ensure safety and promote optimal outcomes for Oregon’s most vulnerable children.

• Respond to referrals, interview children, families and contacts, and observe home environments.
• Conduct child safety assessments and make determinations of abuse or neglect, taking protective action when necessary.
• Develop and implement service plans, and coordinate medical evaluations, placements, and family resources.
• Prepare comprehensive reports, safety plans, and case notes, and testify in court when required.
• Communicate with diverse populations and maintain accurate, timely case documentation.

• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field.
• Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services plus:
  • One year of Human Services related experience; or
  • Completion of coursework equivalent to Oregon Caseworker Competency certification; or
  • An associate degree plus two years of Human Services related experience; or
  • One year of Human Services related experience plus related training or certification.
• Educational requirements must be met; experience alone does not satisfy the minimum qualifications.

• Strong time‑management skills in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience with trauma‑informed de‑escalation strategies in crisis situations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft
  365 (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel) and organizational databases.
• Ability to collaborate with internal and external partners on shared projects.
• Excellent writing skills for documents, reports, and recommendations.

Office-based and fieldwork, including visits to participant homes and community sites. Requires regular travel, occasional overnight trips, and work in hazardous weather conditions. On‑call rotation may begin after the first year.

Finalists will undergo criminal history, background, and FBI CJIS fingerprint‑based checks. Adverse findings may lead to disqualification.

• Competitive salary within the $4,954 – $7,592 range.
• Annual salary increases and cost‑of‑living adjustments.
• Full benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard service members receive preference.

ODHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer guided by equity and diversity principles. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class.