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) for its Child Welfare team in Roseburg. The role supports children and families by responding to referrals, assessing child safety, determining whether abuse or neglect has occurred, and taking protective action when needed. The worker develops service plans, arranges medical evaluations and placements, and connects families with services and resources. The position also involves preparing reports and case documentation, testifying in court, and communicating with diverse populations. Work is conducted through an equity-focused and culturally relevant lens and requires a trauma-informed approach. The position is permanent and full-time. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, onsite in Roseburg; hours may fluctuate with service needs, and remote work is not available. Occasional compensated overtime during evening and weekend work may be required. The role requires regular travel, potentially over long distances and in hazardous weather, occasional overnight travel, and participation in an on-call rotation beginning after the first six months. Work takes place in offices, participants’ homes, and other community sites. The position involves sensitive and stressful situations, quick safety-related decisions, traversing stairs and uneven terrain, and helping children weighing up to 40 pounds in and out of car seats.
Requirements
- Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
- A completed bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field; OR a 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.
- Degree must be completed, not in progress; experience alone does not satisfy the educational requirements for positions engaged in child protective investigations or custody determinations.
- Experience engaging with children and families in time-sensitive situations to gather information and make informed decisions that consider language, race, and cultural needs.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Time management, organization, and prioritization skills to meet deadlines.
- Ability to gather information, write clearly, thoroughly, and concisely, and communicate complex conclusions and recommended actions in a time-sensitive manner.
- Analytical and critical-thinking skills in high-pressure situations, including defusing confrontational situations.
- Knowledge or experience with crisis intervention, conflict resolution, or behavior management techniques.
- Ability to meet background-check requirements, including an FBI CJIS fingerprint-based criminal records check.
Responsibilities
- Respond to referrals and interview children, families, and other contacts.
- Observe home environments and conduct child safety assessments.
- Make determinations of abuse or neglect 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.
- Create reports, safety plans, assessment evaluations, and 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 the top of the listed salary range is reached.
- 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
