Child Protective Services Worker; Social Service Specialist

Introduction

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! Step into a transformative role where your passion for the well‑being of children and your ability to connect with families come together to create lasting change. Become a catalyst for positive impact in the lives of Oregon’s children and their loved ones.

• Primary location:
  Child Welfare Pendleton Office.
• Floater to support both Pendleton and Hermiston offices with Pendleton office as the base.
• Floater to support both Pendleton and Hermiston offices with Hermiston office as the base.

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 information into databases.
• Arrange medical evaluations and substitute care placement for children.
• Present and testify in court.

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field.
• Or 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.
• Or 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.

• Prior transferrable experience assessing the safety of children, assessing the protective capabilities of parents/caregivers, working concurrent plans and creating plans for children.
• Experience engaging and building partnerships with clients (parents & children), community organizations, agency staff, and affected communities.
• Experience organizing tasks, prioritizing responsibilities, and managing time to meet deadlines.
• Experience designing and managing effective organizational structures and workflows.
• Demonstrates strong multitasking skills and consistently performs well in high‑velocity settings.
• Experience preparing and maintaining thorough records, such as reports, narratives, and observations.

• Work conducted in offices, participant’s homes, and other community sites.
• Work schedule Monday–Friday 8 am–5 pm PT; hours may fluctuate based on service needs. Occasional overtime during evenings and weekends may be required.
• Required to participate in an on‑call rotation for child protective services.
• Frequent travel required; may be hours away and in hazardous weather conditions.
• Interaction with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling emotions.
• Walking into stressful situations requiring quick decision‑making to ensure safety of service recipients and personal safety; may be trauma‑inducing.

• Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials.
• Include detailed work and education history.
• Resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
• The State of Oregon does not request or…