Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

State of Oregon•North Bend, OR

5d•$4,954 - $7,592•Onsite

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking to fill a Child Protective Services Worker position in their North Bend Child Welfare office. This role involves engaging with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers to ensure safety and achieve optimal outcomes. The position requires conducting child safety assessments through an equity and culturally relevant lens. The Child Welfare Program aims to support children and young adults in being safer, healthier, experiencing less trauma, and achieving greater well-being.

Requirements

A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.
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.
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.
Experience working both independently and with a team.
Experience utilizing time management, organization, and prioritization skills to meet deadlines.
Demonstrated experience writing clearly, thoroughly, and concisely with minimal spelling or grammar issues.
Experience working well with people from a wide variety of backgrounds through a culturally competent lens.
Experience using Microsoft Word and Excel.
Experience in a helping profession that has at least some social work focus or lens; examples include teaching, law enforcement, medical care, domestic violence advocacy, CASA volunteer, etc.
Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint-based criminal records check.
Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

Respond to referrals of alleged abuse or neglect by interviewing children, parents, and collateral contacts and observing home environments to assess child safety.
Conduct comprehensive safety assessments, determine whether abuse or neglect has occurred, and implement protective actions or safety plans when children cannot remain safely in their homes.
Develop service plans that address the unique needs of children and families, and connect them with community resources, medical evaluations, and supportive programs.
Arrange placements when necessary and participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, court hearings, and other collaborative activities to support accurate assessment, planning, and decision‑making.
Maintain clear, thorough documentation including court reports, affidavits, referrals, safety plans, and case notes—and communicate effectively with diverse families, partners, and stakeholders.