Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

State of Oregon•Lakeview, OR

1d•$4,954 - $7,592•Onsite

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. Opportunity awaits! Imagine a role where you engage with children, families, resource parents and caregivers to achieve safety and optimal outcomes for Oregon’s children and families. Imagine yourself conducting child safety assessments through an equity and culturally relevant lens. If you're looking to make a difference and this sounds intriguing, this Child Protective Services Worker position may be for you! Lakeview, Oregon Lakeview sits at the edge of Oregon’s high desert in the far south of the state, surrounded by wide‑open skies, rugged mountains, and sweeping valleys. Known as the “Tallest Town in Oregon,” it offers natural hot springs, miles of hiking and biking trails, and nearby Warner Canyon for winter skiing. In the warmer months, visitors enjoy bird‑watching, hang‑gliding, and exploring the region’s serene lakes and geological wonders. Adventure and quiet beauty meet in Lakeview! City of Lakeview – learn what Lakeview has to offer! Lakeview ODHS Child Welfare office – understand where Lakeview is located. Mileage and driving distance calculator – calculate your commute.

Requirements

A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.
A bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a field related to human services; OR A bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services AND either: One year of Human Services related experience; OR Completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency; OR An associate degree and either: Two years of Human Services related experience; OR One year of Human Services related experience and related training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
Per pursuant to ORS 419B.021, states that any position engaged in child protective investigations and/or custody determinations must meet the educational requirements. Experience alone will not meet the minimum qualifications for those positions.
Degree must be completed, not in progress.
Experience managing competing deadlines by independently organizing workload and meeting timelines in a fast‑paced environment.
Experience using trauma‑informed de-escalation strategies in crisis situations, including collaborating with a team to ensure safety and follow-up care.
Experience using Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel) and entering or retrieving data from organizational databases.
Experience collaborating with internal and external partners to complete shared projects or resolve client needs.
Experience writing documents or reports that include a conclusion and recommended action (examples: case plans, court reports, investigative reports).

Responsibilities

Respond to referrals, interviewing children, families and contacts.
Observe home environments, conduct child safety assessments, and make determinations of abuse or neglect, taking protective action when necessary.
Develop service plans to meet the needs of children and families.
Arrange medical evaluations, placements, and connect families with services and resources.
Create reports, safety plans, assessment evaluations, case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations.