Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1

Position Title

Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist
1)

07/30/2026

08/13/2026

Department of Human Services

$4,954 - $7,592

Employee

The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Starand 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.

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!

This position is in rural eastern John Day, Oregon, and works in the John Day Child Welfare office daily.

• City of John Day - Learn what John Day has to offer!
• Find an ODHS office - understand where John Day is located.
• Mileage and driving distance calculator - calculate your commute.

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.

Interested in learning more? Here are some testimonials from current ODHS Workers.

Per pursuant to ORS 419B.021, states that any position engaged in child protective investigations and/or custody determinations must meet the educational requirements. Experience alone will not meet the minimum qualifications for those positions. Degree must be completed, not in progress.

• 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.
• A bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services and either:
• One year of Human Services related experience.
• Completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
• An associate degree and either:
• 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.

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience providing services and resources to children and families while working or volunteering in a social services-related field.
• Experience conducting assessment and fact-finding interviews related to child safety, risk of abuse, neglect, or harm.
• Experience writing documents or reports that include a conclusion and recommended action (examples: case plans, court reports, investigative reports).
• Demonstrated experience to think analytically and utilize critical thinking skills in high pressure situations and defuse confrontational situations.
• Experience building partnerships with community organizations, agency staff.