Social Service Specialist , Child Protective Services Worker or Permanency Worker

Title:

Social Service Specialist 1, Child Protective Services Worker or Permanency Worker

Salary Range: $4,954 - $7,592

Position Type:
Employee

Agency:
Department of Human Services

Location:

Eugene/Springfield
- Lane County, OR

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! Picture yourself as the advocate for children! Your mission is to protect their futures while addressing the needs of families and adhering to legal obligations. With each home visit and report you complete; you’re making a significant impact on the lives of children in Oregon. Our Office of Child Welfare is seeking to fill multiple Social Service Specialist 1 positions in Eugene/Springfield
- Lane County! In this role, you will work directly with families with whom you will be able to share and celebrate successes. Come join us in doing this important work!

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.

As a Social Service Specialist 1 - Child Protective Services (CPS) Worker - you will:

• Conduct child welfare assessments, including interviewing children and parents, gathering collateral information, reviewing records, and observing home environments.
• Assess child safety, determine whether abuse or neglect has occurred, document findings, and take protective action when necessary.
• Develop service plans based on individual and family needs, including coordinating medical evaluations, community resources, parenting programs, and substitute care placements.
• Coordinate referrals for forensic, mental health, and behavioral assessments.
• Prepare court documentation, attend court hearings, and participate in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings related to child welfare assessments.

As a Social Service Specialist 1 - Permanency Worker - you will:

• Monitor the safety, well-being, and developmental progress of children in care through regular contact, visitation, and coordination with families, schools, and service providers.
• Develop and implement case plans with parents, children, extended family members, and community partners to address individual needs, coordinate services, and support permanency goals, including reunification and adoption.
• Facilitate and observe parent-child visits, assess family relationships, provide feedback, and coordinate transportation as needed.
• Coordinate services and referrals for children and parents, monitor progress toward case plan goals, and support families in meeting children’s educational, developmental, and treatment needs.
• Review and maintain complete case records, including family history, legal documentation, treatment reports, correspondence, referrals, payments, and required forms, in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
• Prepare court reports and case presentations, provide testimony and recommendations when requested, and participate in court hearings and citizen review board proceedings.

Interested in learning more? Here are some testimonials from current ODHS…