Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)
About The Position
The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking a Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) to join its Child Welfare team in Newport, Oregon. This is a permanent, full-time, in-person position focused on helping children and families achieve safety and positive outcomes. The role contributes to Oregon’s Child Welfare Vision for Transformation by supporting children and young adults to be safer, healthier, experience less trauma, and achieve greater well-being. The worker responds to referrals; interviews children, families, and other contacts; observes home environments; conducts child safety assessments; and determines whether abuse or neglect has occurred. The worker takes protective action when necessary, develops service plans, arranges medical evaluations and placements, and connects families with services and resources. The role also involves preparing reports, safety plans, assessment evaluations, and case notes; testifying in court; and communicating with diverse populations. The position is based fully onsite in Newport, Oregon, with a Monday–Friday schedule that is normally 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Pacific Time, although hours may fluctuate based on service needs. Occasional compensated overtime during evening and weekend work may be required. The job includes regular local and long-distance travel, sometimes in hazardous weather or remote areas without reliable cell service, and occasional overnight travel. After the first six months, the worker joins the child protective services on-call rotation. Work takes place in offices, participants’ homes, and other community sites. Duties can include traversing stairs and uneven terrain and helping children weighing up to 30 pounds in and out of car seats. The role involves sensitive topics related to trauma, abuse, and crises, interactions with people who may have difficulty managing emotions, and stressful situations requiring quick safety decisions. A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required. Finalists must pass criminal history and background checks, including an FBI CJIS fingerprint-based criminal records check.
Requirements
- A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
- A completed bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field; OR a completed bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field 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.
- The degree must be completed, not in progress. Experience alone does not meet the educational requirements for positions engaged in child protective investigations and/or custody determinations.
- Experience building and maintaining professional relationships with clients, community partners, and colleagues.
- Experience organizing and prioritizing work to meet deadlines and manage competing responsibilities.
- Experience working effectively with people from diverse backgrounds using culturally responsive practices.
- Experience de-escalating tense situations and responding to conflict using appropriate conflict-resolution or behavior-management techniques.
- Experience preparing clear, objective written documentation, such as case plans, court reports, narratives, or observations.
- Experience communicating sensitive or difficult information with empathy, professionalism, and consideration for individual and family needs.
- Experience applying trauma-informed practices when working with individuals and families who have experienced trauma.
Responsibilities
- Respond to referrals and interview children, families, and other contacts.
- Observe home environments and conduct child safety assessments.
- Determine whether abuse or neglect has occurred and take protective action when necessary.
- Develop service plans to meet the needs of children and families.
- Arrange medical evaluations and placements, and connect families with services and resources.
- Prepare reports, safety plans, assessment evaluations, and case notes.
- Testify in court.
- Communicate with diverse populations.
- Participate in the child protective services on-call rotation after the first six months.
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.
- Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard preference for eligible candidates who meet the position qualifications.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
