Child Protective Services Worker; Social Service Specialist

Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist
1)

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! 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!

We are currently seeking a Child Protective Services (CPS) Worker (Social Service Specialist
1) to join our Child Welfare team based in our Reedsport office.

Reedsport, Oregon

Reedsport sits along Oregon's scenic South Coast, surrounded by the Umpqua River, forests, and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. With small-town charm, abundant outdoor recreation, and stunning coastal scenery, Reedsport offers a welcoming place to live and work!

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, interviewing 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, placements, and connect families with services and resources.
• Create reports, safety plans, assessment evaluations, case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations.

Minimum Qualifications

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 services;

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.

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.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience building and maintaining professional relationships with clients, community partners, and colleagues.
• Experience organizing and prioritizing work to meet established deadlines and manage competing responsibilities.
• Experience working effectively with people from diverse backgrounds using culturally responsive practices.
• Experience de-escalating tense situations and responding to conflict using appropriate conflict-resolution or behavior-management techniques.
• Experience preparing clear, objective written documentation, such as case plans, court reports, narratives, or observations.
• Experience communicating sensitive or difficult information with empathy, professionalism, and consideration for individual and family needs.
• Experience applying trauma-informed practices when working with individuals and families who have experienced trauma.

Attention all candidates!

• Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history.
• Please upload a resume or complete the work history…