Child Protective Services Worker | Social Service Specialist 1

State of Oregon • Milton-Freewater, OR

3d • $4,954 - $7,592 • Onsite

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Human Services is hiring a Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) for its Milton Freewater office. The role is part of the Child Welfare Program and supports the agency’s vision of helping children and young adults be safer, healthier, experience less trauma, and achieve greater well-being. Frequent travel to Pendleton is required during the first year for training and support.

Requirements

• A valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
• A completed bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related human service field; or a completed unrelated bachelor’s degree plus one year of Human Services related experience or coursework equivalent to certification 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.
• Experience evaluating child safety, assessing parents’ or caregivers’ ability to protect children, and developing concurrent and long-term plans for child well-being.
• Experience engaging and building partnerships with clients, community organizations, agency staff, and affected communities.
• Experience organizing tasks, prioritizing responsibilities, and managing time to meet deadlines.
• Experience designing and managing effective organizational structures and workflows.
• Strong multitasking skills and the ability to perform 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.
• Complete documentation and enter information into databases.
• Arrange medical evaluations and substitute care placements for children.
• Present and testify in court.
• Participate in the mandatory on-call rotation for child protective services.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

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