Child Protective Services Worker; Social Service Specialist

Job Information

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

Agency: Department of Human Services

Location: Lakeview, Oregon

Salary: $4,954 - $7,592

Position Type: Employee

Initial Posting Date: 06/11/2026

Final date to receive applications: 06/25/2026

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.

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, interview 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 and 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.
• A bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field.
• OR a bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services and either:
  • One year of related experience; or
  • Completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
• OR an associate degree and either:
  • Two years of related experience; or
  • One year of related experience and related training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.

• Experience managing competing deadlines by independently organizing workload and meeting timelines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience using trauma‑informed de‑escalation strategies in crisis situations, including collaborating with a team to ensure safety and follow‑up care.
• Experience using Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel) and entering or retrieving data from organizational databases.
• Experience collaborating with internal and external partners to complete shared projects or resolve client needs.
• Experience writing documents or reports that include a conclusion and recommended action (examples: case plans, court reports, investigative reports).

• Your work schedule will be Monday–Friday from 8 am – 5 pm PT on‑site in Lakeview, OR; hours may fluctuate based on service needs.
• Occasional compensated overtime during evening and weekend work may be required.
• Your position involves regular travel, including long‑distance travel and travel in hazardous weather conditions. Some travel may occur in remote locations without reliable cell service.
• Occasional overnight travel may be required.
• After your first year, you will begin participating in the on‑call rotation that supports child protective services.
• Your work will be conducted in offices, participant’s homes, and other community sites.
• Activities include traversing stairs, moving on uneven terrain, and helping children (weighing up to 50 pounds) in and out of car seats.
• Your role involves handling sensitive topics related to trauma, abuse, and crises, requiring a trauma‑informed approach that is essential to ensure a safe environment.
• You may interact with individuals who have experienced trauma and may have difficulty managing their emotions.
• Be prepared for stressful situations that require quick decision‑making to ensure safety for yourself and others.

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required.
• If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or…