Child Protective Services Worker | Social Service Specialist

Position Title Child Protective Services Worker | Social Service Specialist 1

Initial Posting Date 09/02/2026

Final date to receive applications 09/16/2026

Agency Department of Human Services

Salary Range $4,954 - $7,592

Position Type Employee

Position Title Child Protective Services Worker | Social Service Specialist 1

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

Opportunity awaits! Every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and seen. In this role, you will connect with families during vulnerable times and help guide them toward stability, safety, and hope. Your compassion can be the difference that helps a child thrive. We are currently seeking a Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist
1) to join our team in our Enterprise office. Enterprise is part of rural Eastern Oregon. Learn more: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Summary Of Duties 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.

As a Child Protective Services (CPS) Worker, You Will

• 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.

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

Essential Attributes We are looking for candidates with:

• Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated and manage your time well.
• Demonstrated ability to use trauma-informed practices that are sensitive to the child and family’s lived experience, language, race, and culture.
• Demonstrated excellent written communication skills, including the ability to write in plain language with minimal spelling and grammar issues.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively engage with families under challenging and time-sensitive circumstances.
• Experienced at being a…