Child Protective Services Worker; Social Service Specialist

Position Title

Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist
1)

09/22/2026

09/30/2026

Department of Human Services

$4,954 - $7,592

Employee

Portland office located on 11826 NE Glisan St. Portland.

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. Are you ready to unlock the potential within every family—and make a real difference?

We are currently seeking a Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist
1) to join our team based in the Portland office located on 11826 NE Glisan St. Portland.

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.

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 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.
• AND a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.

• Experience screening and assessing clients’ needs to determine appropriate community and culturally responsive resources, as well as partnering agency programs or services.
• Experience preparing and maintaining thorough records, such as reports, narratives, and observations.
• Demonstrated understanding of working with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated experience to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. This includes experience in writing clearly and concisely using plain language appropriate for diverse audiences, conveying information with clarity, and…