Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) McMinnville
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 position may be for you! 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. As a Child Protective Services (CPS) Worker, you will: Safety and Support: Protect children’s safety and support families by engaging with them, resource parents, and caregivers. Using a trauma-informed and antiracist approach. A Balancing Act: Navigate the needs of the child and the family while balancing legal requirements. Assessment and Interviews: 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. Decision-Making: Analyzing collected information, you will determine appropriate child placement, considering each family’s unique circumstances. Communication: You will create reports, case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations in office, community, or legal settings. Interested in learning more? Here are some testimonials from current ODHS Workers.
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 (1) 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 (2) years of Human Services related experience; OR One (1) year of Human Services related experience and related training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
- Degree must be completed, not in progress.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with crisis intervention and conflict resolution, applying trauma-informed de-escalation tactics and behavior management strategies while maintaining professionalism and fostering collaborative, peaceful resolutions
- Experience with critical thinking and making rapid, sound decisions to navigate time-sensitive or tense situations.
- Experience fostering psychological safety, well-being, and belonging; promoting a culture of equity and inclusion that actively supports the ODHS mission to create an anti-racist workplace and ensure equitable treatment for all.
- Experience communicating complex information to diverse audiences—including families, colleagues, and community partners—both orally and in writing.
- Experience adapting communication to varied learning and communication styles, demonstrating active listening and respect by incorporating feedback into solutions and follow-up actions.
- Experience mentoring and engaging families to develop and implement successful strategies, while connecting them to community and family supports to achieve least restrictive outcomes.
- Experience handling confidential information with unwavering professionalism, holding self and others to high standards of honesty and integrity.
- Experience applying lessons-learned to varying environments and situations; welcome constructive feedback and suggestions to strengthen work performance.
Responsibilities
- Protect children’s safety and support families by engaging with them, resource parents, and caregivers.
- Conduct assessment and fact-finding interviews related to child safety, risk of abuse, neglect or harm.
- Address necessary care and needs levels of the children and families.
- 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.
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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
