Child Protective Services Worker; Social Service Specialist

Initial Posting Date: 10/07/2026 Final date to receive applications: 10/21/2026 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! 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 seek to fill a Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist
1) in our John Day, Oregon location! 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.

• 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.

• 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.
• 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.

• 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.

Your work will be conducted in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites. This position requires working a flexible schedule as a condition of employment with a normal workday of 8 hours, from 8 AM to 5 PM; however, working hours may be adjusted within a given week, to provide planned services. This position will be required to participate in an on-call rotation for mandatory on call for child protective services.

Frequent travel is required. Some travel may be hours away. Some travel may be in hazardous weather conditions. Travel is required, including driving to sometimes remote areas and in inclement weather conditions. You may interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions. Walking into stressful situations that may require quick decision-making skills to ensure safety of those…