Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)
About The Position
The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking to fill multiple openings for Child Protective Services Workers (Social Service Specialist 1) to join their teams in the Pendleton and Hermiston offices. This role is transformative, focusing on the well-being of children and connecting with families to create lasting change. The positions involve responding to referrals, determining if child abuse or neglect has occurred, gathering information through interviews, observing home environments, collecting collateral information, fulfilling documentation requirements, arranging medical evaluations and substitute care, and presenting/testifying in court. The agency emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from historically underrepresented groups.
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.
- A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.
- Degree must be completed, not in progress.
Nice To Haves
- Prior transferrable experience assessing the safety of children, assessing the protective capabilities of parents/care givers, working concurrent plans and creating plans for children.
- Experience engaging and building partnerships with clients (parents & children), community organizations, agency staff, and affected communities.
- Experience organizing tasks, prioritizing responsibilities, and managing time to meet deadlines.
- Experience at designing and managing effective organizational structures and workflows.
- Demonstrates strong multitasking skills and consistently performs well in high‑velocity settings.
- Experience preparing and maintaining thorough records, such as reports, narratives, and observations.
Responsibilities
- Respond to referrals and determine whether child abuse or neglect has occurred.
- Gather information through interviews with parents and children.
- Observe and analyze the safety of home environments.
- Gather collateral information from school personnel, doctors, therapists, and law enforcement officers.
- Fulfill documentation requirements and enter info into databases.
- Arrange medical evaluations and substitute care placement for children.
- Present and testify in court.
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
Education Level
Associate degree
