Hotline Screener (Social Service Specialist 1) Bilingual English & Spanish Required - 2 positions
About The Position
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is seeking to hire two (2) Hotline Screeners (Social Service Specialist 1) to help create safer futures for Oregon’s children. This role serves as the first point of contact in child protection efforts, requiring compassion and critical-thinking skills. The position involves providing empathetic support to reporters, collecting detailed information about child safety concerns, assessing the need for services, and making decisions that prioritize children's safety and well-being. Accurate written reports documenting collected information and decision rationale are essential. This position requires adherence to Oregon statutes, administrative rules, and ODHS procedures. The role is primarily remote after an initial 3-month in-office training period in Portland. The work involves hearing sensitive and potentially distressing information, requiring a trauma-informed and supportive response. The positions are permanent, full-time, and represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
Requirements
- Bilingual in Spanish and English.
- 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.
- Degree must be completed, not in progress.
Nice To Haves
- 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.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the first point of contact in our work to keep children safe.
- Provide thoughtful, empathetic support to reporters and 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
