Child Protective Services Worker; Social Services Specialist Salem – Bilingual

Position Title

Child Protective Services Worker (Social Services Specialist
1) Salem – Bilingual Spanish Preferred

The Oregon Department of Human Services is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer guided by equity and diversity principles. We encourage applications from historically under‑represented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve a diverse and inclusive workforce.

In this transformative role you will support the well‑being of children and families by applying a trauma‑informed, antiracist approach. Your work will help create a safer, healthier environment for Oregon’s most vulnerable children and families.

Bilingual language skills in English and Spanish are preferred but not required. Qualified bilingual applicants will be tested and may receive a 5% bilingual salary differential.

As a CPS worker you will work within the Child Welfare Program to protect children and support families, conduct assessments, make placement decisions, and communicate with families, courts, and community partners.

• Protect children’s safety and support families by engaging with them, resource parents, and caregivers using a trauma‑informed, antiracist approach.
• Navigate the child’s and family’s needs while balancing legal requirements.
• Conduct assessment and fact‑finding interviews related to child safety, risk of abuse, neglect or harm and assess care needs.
• Analyze information to determine appropriate child placement, considering family circumstance.
• Create reports, case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations in office, community, or legal settings.

• 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 in a different field plus one year of human services experience or coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
• An associate degree plus two years of human services experience, or one year of experience plus related training or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
• Degree must be completed, not in progress. Experience alone does not meet the minimum qualifications.

• Experience engaging trauma‑impacted families from diverse backgrounds in person‑centered assessments.
• Experience collaborating with community partners and organizations to support families.
• Experience contributing to a safe learning environment that supports growth mindset, well‑being, and belonging within a team.
• Experience managing dynamic workflow in a high‑volume environment.

• Work conducted in offices, participants’ homes, and community sites.
• Occasional travel for meetings, training, and case‑related activities.
• Flexible work week with possible evening, weekend, and overtime requirements; on‑call rotation.
• Exposure to sensitive, trauma‑related content; requires a trauma‑informed approach.

• Criminal history and background check required; adverse history may lead to disqualification.
• No visa sponsorship; I‑9 and E‑Verify required within three days of hire.
• FBI CJIS fingerprint‑based criminal records check for finalists.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities.
• Cost of living adjustments.
• Annual salary increases up to the top of the listed range.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

This role may be represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory…