Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)
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 (Social Service Specialist 1) position may be for you! Summary of Duties As a Child Protective Services (CPS) Worker , you will: Respond to referrals interviewing children, parents, and contacts. Observe home environments, conduct child safety assessments, and make determinations of abuse or neglect, taking protective action when necessary. Develop service plans to meet the needs of children and families. Arrange medical evaluations, placements, and connect families with services and resources. Create reports, safety plans, assessment evaluations, case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations. For more information, watch this Child Protective Services operations video.
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.
Nice To Haves
- Knowledge or experience in crisis intervention, conflict resolution, or behavior management.
- Experience asking questions to collect key details, assess needs, and provide appropriate support.
- Experience explaining complex rules and guidelines in simple, clear language.
- Experience gathering information and writing professional reports with conclusions and recommendations.
- Experience engaging with people in difficult or urgent situations, helping navigate challenges and find solutions.
- Experience working with people from different backgrounds, partnering with community groups and organizations, to provide resources or services.
Responsibilities
- Respond to referrals interviewing children, parents, and contacts.
- Observe home environments, conduct child safety assessments, and make determinations of abuse or neglect, taking protective action when necessary.
- Develop service plans to meet the needs of children and families.
- Arrange medical evaluations, placements, and connect families with services and resources.
- Create reports, safety plans, assessment evaluations, case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations.
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
