Child Protective Services (Social Service Specialist 1)

State of Oregon•North Bend, OR

About The Position

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 Child Protective Services (Social Service Specialist 1) positions in North Bend! 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! The following YouTube link will provide more information about this position: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Dx3eyBwdks Summary of Duties 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.

Requirements

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.
Demonstrated ability to work well both independently and with a team.
Demonstrated ability to use trauma-informed de-escalation techniques.
Experience utilizing time management, organization, and prioritization skills to meet deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, thoroughly, and concisely, verbally and in writing, in a variety of settings.
Experience working well with people from a wide variety of backgrounds through a culturally competent lens.
Experience using computer skills for word processing and navigating different databases.
Experience in a helping profession that has at least some social work focus or lens; examples include teaching, law enforcement, medical care, domestic violence advocacy, CASA volunteer, etc.
Degree must be completed, not in progress.
A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.

Responsibilities

Provides services to children and families to assess protective capacity, maintain children in the family home when possible and support successful reunification.
Navigate the needs of the child and the family while balancing legal requirements.
Maintain a written record of your casework activity in specialized case management software (OR-KIDS) and provide accurate, detailed, chronological case notes of all case contacts and activity on a daily basis.
Conduct assessment and fact-finding interviews related to child safety, risk of abuse, neglect, or harm. You will also address necessary care and needs levels of the children and families.
Analyzing collected information, you will determine appropriate child placement, considering each family’s unique circumstances with a focus toward preserving the family system and engaging larger family structures.
You will create reports, case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations in office, community, or legal settings.
Meet regularly with clients to develop and maintain professional working relationships with them which encourages, assists, and empowers them to make needed changes. Maintain availability to clients by phone, community, and office appointments.