Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) | Bilingual English/Spanish required

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! Imagine a role where you engage with children, families, resource parents and caregivers to achieve safety and optimal outcomes for Oregon's children and families. Imagine yourself conducting child safety assessments through an equity and culturally relevant lens. If you're looking to make a difference and this sounds intriguing, this Child Protective Services Worker position may be for you! We are seeking multiple Child Protective Services Workers (Social Service Specialist 1) (Bilingual English/Spanish required) to join our Beaverton Child Welfare team.

Responsibilities

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

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.
• Bilingual skills in English and Spanish.

Nice-to-haves

• 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.
• Experience writing reports, such as case plans, court reports and investigative reports.
• Experience defining and explaining complex rules and guidelines in a variety of settings.
• Experience inputting and retrieving data efficiently and effectively.

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.