Hotline Screener (Social Service Specialist 1) 6 Positions
About The Position
The Oregon Department of Human Services is hiring six (6) Hotline Screener (Social Service Specialist 1) positions. These positions are primarily remote, with initial in-office training in Portland for three months. After training, the work will be primarily remote, but may require occasional in-office attendance for further training and meetings. The role serves as the first point of contact in child safety efforts, involving empathetic support to reporters, critical information gathering, and decision-making to prioritize children's safety and well-being. This involves talking with reporters, assessing child safety concerns, determining appropriate services, and creating accurate written reports based on Oregon statutes and ODHS procedures. The agency emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from historically underrepresented groups. Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish is a plus.
Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in human services or a field related to human service.
- 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.
- Experience conducting interviews to gather information that informs critical analysis and decision-making.
- Experience using critical thinking to assess complex situations under pressure and make appropriate decisions.
- Experience using behavior management or conflict resolution techniques to de-escalate situations.
- Experience providing equitable service to diverse communities and people.
- Experience reading or writing reports that include conclusions and recommended actions.
- Experience applying and explaining rules, policies and procedures.
- Experience using technology and digital tools to complete tasks accurately and within required timelines.
- Must be fluent in English.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States.
- Must be able to pass a criminal history and background check.
- Must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint-based criminal records check.
Nice To Haves
- Fluent in Spanish.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the first point of contact in child safety efforts.
- Provide empathetic support to reporters.
- Make decisions that prioritize the safety and well-being of children.
- Talk with reporters to collect detailed, relevant information about the child, the alleged abuse or neglect, and the family’s circumstances.
- Gather and assess information from reports about child safety concerns, then choose the appropriate next action.
- Assess whether the family may benefit from services such as protective support, family support, or community programs.
- Create accurate written reports that include both the information collected and your rationale for each decision.
- Follow Oregon statutes, administrative rules, and ODHS procedures to determine if a report meets the criteria for further review.
Benefits
- ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
- Cost of Living Adjustments.
- Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
- 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
