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

State of Oregon•Beaverton, 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! Ready to turn your passion for safeguarding children and strengthening families into a rewarding career? Look no further! The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking compassionate individuals to join our team and help us create lasting, positive transformations in the lives of Oregon's most vulnerable children and families. Join our Beaverton Child Welfare team as a Child Protective Services Worker and be the bridge that connects families, understands their dynamics, and makes a lasting impact on those in need in Oregon! If you are looking to make a difference, this Child Protective Services Worker position may be for you! We are seeking a Child Protective Services Worker | (Bilingual English/Spanish required) to join our Beaverton Child Welfare team. Bilingual English/Spanish required: This position is bilingual and requires duties to be carried out in both English and Spanish. The job offer will be contingent upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements of the position. This position may receive a 5% differential pay based on passing the required language test. Together, we can create lasting change! 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

Per pursuant to ORS 419B.021, states that any position engaged in child protective investigations and/or custody determinations must meet the educational requirements. Experience alone will not meet the minimum qualifications for those positions. Degree must be completed, not in progress.
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.
Bilingual in English and Spanish (the job offer will be contingent upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements of the position).

Nice To Haves

Experience building collaborative relationships with community partners, agency staff, clients, and impacted communities.
Experience engaging with children and families under time-sensitive and challenging circumstances, to gather/document information and make informed decisions efficiently and effectively.
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 while maintaining professional boundaries.
Experience navigating and managing vicarious trauma.
Experience incorporating Anti Racist efforts in prior work or volunteer roles.

Responsibilities

Safety & Wellbeing: You play a crucial part in helping families achieve their goals while ensuring the safety and well-being of children.
Engagement: You engage with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers in various ways to promote safety, permanency, and optimal outcomes for Oregon’s children and families.
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.
Strategies: You develop and implement multi-level strategies that leverage family strengths and address areas for improvement.
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.