Child Protective Services Worker | Social Service Specialist 1 | Multiple Openings & Locations!

State of Oregon • Hermiston, OR

8d • $4,954 - $7,592 • Onsite

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Human Services is hiring Child Protective Services Workers (Social Service Specialist 1) for its Hermiston and Pendleton offices. Positions are based primarily in one office and serve local communities. Floater positions support both offices, with either Hermiston or Pendleton as the base location. The selected candidate’s location preference will be discussed during the interview process.

Working within the Child Welfare Program, the CPS Worker contributes to the Child Welfare Vision for Transformation by supporting the safety, health, and well-being of children and families. The position responds to referrals and determines whether child abuse or neglect has occurred; interviews parents and children; evaluates home safety; gathers information from schools, medical and behavioral health providers, and law enforcement; maintains required documentation and database records; arranges medical evaluations and substitute care placements; and presents and testifies in court.

Work takes place in offices, participants’ homes, and other community locations. Floater roles travel between the Hermiston and Pendleton offices, and frequent district travel is required, sometimes for several hours or in hazardous weather. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, though hours may fluctuate with service needs. Occasional compensated evening and weekend overtime may be required, as well as participation in a mandatory child protective services on-call rotation. The work may involve stressful or potentially traumatic situations, quick decisions to protect safety, and interactions with people who may have difficulty regulating their emotions.

This is a permanent, full-time, SEIU-represented position. The posted non-PERS monthly salary range is $4,954 to $7,592; it increases by 6.95% for participating or eligible PERS members. The recruitment may also be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

Requirements

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Meet the educational requirements for positions involving child protective investigations or custody determinations; experience alone does not satisfy these requirements, and the degree must be completed.
• One of the following education and experience combinations: a bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field; a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field plus one year of Human Services-related experience or equivalent coursework consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency; or an associate degree plus two years of Human Services-related experience, or one year of such experience and related training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
• Proficient verbal and written communication, including plain-language writing and clear communication.
• Experience preparing and maintaining thorough records, including reports, narratives, and observations.
• Experience screening and assessing client needs to identify appropriate community, culturally responsive, and partner-agency resources or services.
• Experience engaging and building partnerships with parents, children, community organizations, agency staff, and affected communities.
• Experience organizing tasks, prioritizing responsibilities, and managing time to meet deadlines.
• Computer proficiency.
• Ability to travel frequently, including potentially lengthy trips and travel in hazardous weather conditions.
• Ability to make quick decisions in stressful situations to help ensure the safety of clients and oneself.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience assessing child safety, assessing the protective capacities of parents or caregivers, and developing case plans.

Responsibilities

• Respond to referrals and determine whether child abuse or neglect has occurred.
• Interview parents and children to gather information.
• Observe and analyze the safety of home environments.
• Gather collateral information from school personnel, doctors, therapists, and law enforcement officers.
• Complete required documentation and enter information into databases.
• Arrange medical evaluations and substitute care placements for children.
• Present and testify in court.
• Travel frequently within the district; floater roles support both the Hermiston and Pendleton offices.
• Participate in the mandatory child protective services on-call rotation.

Benefits

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
• Cost-of-living adjustments.
• Annual salary increases until the top of the listed salary range is reached.
• Benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers who meet the position qualifications receive candidate preference.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level