Child Protective Services (Social Services Specialist 1)

State of Oregon • Clackamas | DHS, OR

2d • $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 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 building collaborative relationships with community partners, agency staff, clients, and impacted communities.
• Experience prioritizing work while managing competing priorities and deadlines.
• Experience engaging with children and families under time-sensitive and challenging circumstances, to gather information and make informed decisions.
• Experience writing reports, such as case plans, court reports and investigative reports that include conclusions and recommended action.
• Experience defining and explaining complex rules and guidelines in a variety of settings.
• Experience inputting and retrieve data efficiently and effectively.
• 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 make sure your application materials, resume and job history, are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range.
• 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.
• Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint-based criminal records check.
• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Respond to assigned referrals of alleged child abuse/neglect in which children are alleged to be unsafe.
• Conduct child interviews.
• Conduct parent interviews.
• Gather collateral interviews including review of pertinent documents.
• Make and document observations of the home environment.
• Make determination whether abuse or neglect has occurred and take children into protection when appropriate.
• Identify and develop services plan for individual clients needs.
• Arrange medical evaluation for the children involved in the assessment, in order to document and have record of relevant medical findings related to the CPS assessment.
• Arrange substitute care placement of children who are taken into care.
• Attend court hearings (Permanency hearing, criminal charges and Juvenile court) related to CPS assessments.
• Entering assessment information in the OR-Kids system.
• Completing referral information for assessment evaluations (Forensic, Mental and Behavioral).
• Completing necessary court related information including petition work sheets, court reports, affidavits, etc.

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