Social Service Specialist

Initial Posting Date: 01/06/2026

Final date to receive applications: 01/15/2026

Agency: Department of Human Services

Salary Range: $4,833 - $7,407

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: 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! Join us in making a difference in the lives of children and families in need. Engage with children, families, resource parents and caregivers to achieve safety and optimal outcomes for Oregon’s children and families. If you're looking to make a difference, this position may be for you!

This is an in-person position where work is conducted in the Roseburg ODHS Child Welfare office, participant's homes, and other community sites.

Please note: This recruitment will be open until all positions are filled.

As a Child Protective Services Worker, you will:

• Safety and Support: Protect children’s safety and support families by engaging with them, resource parents, and caregivers. Using a trauma-informed and antiracist approach.
• A Balancing Act: Navigate the needs of the child and the family while balancing legal requirements.
• Assessment and Interviews: Conduct assessment and fact-finding interviews related to child safety, risk of abuse, neglect, or harm. Additionally, address necessary care and needs levels of the children and families.
• Decision-Making: Analyze collected information, determine appropriate child placement, consider each family’s unique circumstances.
• Communication: Create reports, case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations in office, community, or legal settings.

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.

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience connecting with children and families under time-sensitive and challenging circumstances, to gather information and make informed decisions that are inclusive of the child and the family’s language, race and culture.
• Experience working well both independently and with a team.
• Experience using time management, organization, and prioritization skills to meet deadlines.
• Experience gathering information, writing clearly, thoroughly, and concisely, and conveying complex conclusions with recommended actions in a time sensitive manner. (examples: case plans, court reports, investigative reports).
• Experience thinking analytically and using critical thinking skills in high pressure situations to defuse confrontational situations.
• Knowledge or experience with crisis intervention, conflict resolution techniques, or behavior management techniques.

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.

• This is an in-person position
  . Your work will be conducted in the local Roseburg ODHS office, participant's homes, and other community sites.
• Your typical work schedule will be Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST).
• You will have frequent local travel around the county. Occasional travel may be hours away.
• You will need to prioritize work…