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

State of Oregon • Columbia, SC

6d • Onsite

About The Position

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

Working within the Child Welfare Program, CPS Workers help advance the Child Welfare Vision for Transformation by supporting safer, healthier children and young adults, reducing trauma, and promoting well-being. The role responds to referrals and determines whether child abuse or neglect occurred; interviews parents and children; assesses home safety; gathers information from schools, medical providers, therapists, and law enforcement; maintains documentation and database records; arranges medical evaluations and substitute care; 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. Frequent district travel is required, sometimes for hours and in hazardous weather. The schedule is generally Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, although hours may vary according to service needs. Occasional compensated overtime in the evenings or on weekends may be required, and workers participate in a mandatory on-call rotation for child protective services. The work can involve stressful situations, quick safety-related decisions, and interactions with people who have experienced trauma.

Requirements

• Meet the applicable education requirements for a position involving child protective investigations or custody determinations; the degree must be completed, not in progress.
• A bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field; or a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field plus either one year of Human Services-related experience or coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency; or an associate degree plus either two years of Human Services-related experience or one year of such experience and related training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Proficient verbal and written communication, including plain-language writing and clear communication.
• Experience preparing and maintaining thorough records, such as reports, narratives, and observations.
• Experience screening and assessing client needs to identify appropriate community and culturally responsive resources, partner-agency programs, or services.
• 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.
• Computer proficiency.
• Ability to make quick decisions in stressful situations to help ensure the safety of clients and oneself.
• Ability to meet the position’s frequent travel requirements, including travel that may be lengthy or in hazardous weather.

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 assess 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 throughout the district; floater positions support both the Hermiston and Pendleton offices.
• 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.
• Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard employment preference for eligible applicants who meet the position qualifications.

What This Job Offers

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