Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)
About The Position
The Oregon Department of Human Services is hiring multiple Child Protective Services Workers for its Child Welfare office in North Bend, Oregon. In this role, you will work with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers to promote safety and positive outcomes. You will conduct child safety assessments using an equity-focused and culturally relevant approach, contributing to the Child Welfare Vision for Transformation to support children and young adults in becoming safer, healthier, and more resilient. The position is permanent and full-time, represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). The work is on-site in North Bend, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, with hours that may fluctuate based on service needs. Remote work is not available. The role includes regular travel, occasional overnight travel, possible compensated overtime, and participation in an on-call rotation after the first six months. Work takes place in offices, participants’ homes, and community locations, and involves sensitive situations related to trauma, abuse, and crisis.
Requirements
- A valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
- Meet one of the stated education and experience pathways: 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.
- Any required degree must be completed and not in progress.
- Experience working independently and as part of a team.
- Time management, organization, and prioritization skills to meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to write clearly, thoroughly, and concisely with minimal spelling or grammar issues.
- Experience working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds through a culturally competent lens.
- Experience using Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Experience in a helping profession with at least some social work focus or lens.
- Ability to approach sensitive interactions with empathy and a trauma-informed perspective, remain calm in stressful situations, make timely decisions, and prioritize personal and others’ safety.
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 addressing the 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.
- Maintain documentation, including court reports, affidavits, referrals, safety plans, and case notes.
- Communicate effectively with diverse families, partners, and stakeholders.
- Participate in an on-call rotation supporting Child Protective Services 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.
- 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
Education Level
Associate degree
