Child Protective Services (Social Service Specialist 1)

State of Oregon • Portland, OR

4d • $4,954 - $7,592 • Hybrid

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! Are you passionate about engaging with families and communities? Are you committed to ensuring the well-being of others and offering them support? Would you enjoy working with a team that is dedicated to serving children, families, and communities? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

Requirements

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.
• A bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a field related to human services; 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.
• Experience screening & assessing clients appropriate community referral or eligibility for programs related to human services.
• Experience preparing and maintaining narrative documentation of the activities concerning individual client cases.
• Experience working with diverse populations and ability to adapt communication and service approaches to meet the varied needs of individuals, families, and communities.
• Experience communicating effectively with people over the telephone, in writing and in person.
• Experience using computer systems and software to complete work accurately and efficiently, while managing competing priorities, maintaining attention to detail, and meeting established deadlines.
• Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint-based criminal records check.

Nice To Haves

• A COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED. 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.
• Please upload a resume or complete the work history profile. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
• If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is listed as a minimum qualification for the position, please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process.
• The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification.
• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

Responsibilities

• Respond to assigned referrals regarding alleged child abuse or neglect when a field assessment is necessary.
• Determine whether or not abuse or neglect has occurred, identify child safety threats and develop protective actions and ongoing safety plans when children would be unsafe without intervention of the agency.
• Conduct child interviews
• Conduct parent interviews
• Gather collateral interviews including review of pertinent documents
• Observation of the home environment
• Make determination whether abuse or neglect has occurred and take protection when appropriate.
• Arrange medical evaluation of children
• Arrange substitute care placement of children
• Attend court hearings related to CPS assessments
• Entering assessment information in the FACIS system
• Completing referral information for assessment evaluations
• Completing necessary court related information including petition work sheets, court reports, affidavits, etc.
• Completing Protective Action documentation

Benefits

• 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).
• Amazing benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level