Child Protective Services Worker; Social Service Specialist

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Oregon Department of Human Services is a proud 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.

As a Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist
1), you will engage with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers to achieve safety and optimal outcomes for Oregon’s children and families. You will conduct child safety assessments through an equity and culturally relevant lens, coordinate medical evaluations, placements, and connect families with services and resources, and represent the agency in court and community settings.

• Respond to referrals and interview children, families, and contacts.
• Observe home environments, conduct child safety assessments, and determine 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.

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• A bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field.
• OR a bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services and at least one year of Human Services related experience.
• OR an associate degree and at least two years of Human Services related experience.
• OR an associate degree with at least one year of Human Services related experience and related training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.

• Experience managing competing deadlines by independently organizing workload and meeting timelines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience using trauma‑informed de‑escalation strategies in crisis situations, including collaborating with a team to ensure safety and follow‑up care.
• Experience using Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel) and entering or retrieving data from organizational databases.
• Experience collaborating with internal and external partners to complete shared projects or resolve client needs.
• Experience writing documents or reports that include a conclusion and recommended action.

• Work schedule Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm PT on‑site in Klamath Falls, OR; hours may fluctuate based on service needs.
• Occasional compensated overtime during evening and weekend work may be required.
• Regular travel, including long‑distance travel and travel in hazardous weather conditions; some travel may occur in remote locations without reliable cell service.
• Occasional overnight travel may be required.
• After the first year, participation in the on‑call rotation that supports child protective services.
• Work conducted in offices, participants’ homes, and other community sites.
• Activities include traversing stairs, moving on uneven terrain, and helping children (weighing up to 50 pounds) in and out of car seats.
• Handling sensitive topics related to trauma, abuse, and crises, requiring a trauma‑informed approach that ensures a safe environment.
• Interaction with individuals who have experienced trauma and may have difficulty managing emotions.
• Preparedness for stressful situations that require quick decision‑making to ensure safety.

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Criminal history and background check for selected finalists; adverse history may lead to disqualification.
• Clearance by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint‑based criminal records check.
• The Officer Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship; within three days of hire, completion of the I‑9 form is required.

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

• Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard service members (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference.

• This is a permanent, full‑time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.