Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) - Child Protective Service (CPS) (Social Service Specialist 1)

State of Oregon•Portland, OR

10d

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! Do you have a commitment to serving American Indian and Alaska Native children and their families with culturally grounded care and respect? Join our team as an Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) – Child Protective Service (CPS) Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1) and play a vital role in protecting children and empowering families. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) District 2 (Multnomah County) is looking for 2 (two) permanent full-time Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) – Child Protective Service (CPS) Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1) for the Child Protective Services Unit of its Indian Child Welfare Act (“ICWA”) Program. Our ICWA Program includes 6 dedicated CPS workers, 9 dedicated permanency workers, 2 dedicated support staff, 1 dedicated Case Aid, 1 dedicated certifier and 1 dedicated family time coordinator. This is a unique opportunity to join a team that is committed to the mission, vision, and values of ODHS Child Welfare in collaboratively serving Oregon Tribes, other federally recognized Tribes, tribal children, and families. Summary of Duties As an employee working within the Child Welfare Program , you will have an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Oregon’s most vulnerable children and families. Your dedication will help us achieve the Child Welfare Vision for Transformation that will support children and young adults to be safer, healthier, experience less trauma and achieve a greater well-being. As an ICWA CPS Caseworker , you will: Work on cases involving American Indian and Alaskan Native children and families. Communicate and partner with Tribal entities, community partners, and culturally relevant service providers to support children and families. Provide Active Efforts to prevent placement of children in substitute care and continue those efforts toward the return of children to their own homes when they have been placed out of their own home. Respond to reports of alleged child abuse or neglect and conduct family assessments using the Oregon Safety Model. Prepare and present court reports, including reviews by the Citizen Review Board (CRB) and dependency hearings, and make recommendations about custody and guardianship.

Requirements

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 .
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 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 supporting Tribal Sovereignty, respecting and upholding the inherent authority of Tribes to govern their own communities.
Experience communicating in a way that respects Tribal protocols, values and communication styles.
Experience screening & assessing allegations of abuse and neglect of children.
Experience preparing and maintaining narrative documentation of the activities concerning individual client cases.
Experience communicating effectively with people over the telephone, in writing and in person.
Demonstrated understanding and effectively engage and work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Experience using a variety of computer software, Microsoft Word and Outlook to produce accurate work and meet timelines.
Experience working with people impacted by complex trauma.

Nice To Haves

Preference will be given to candidates who have experience working with Tribal populations and communities.

Responsibilities

Work on cases involving American Indian and Alaskan Native children and families.
Communicate and partner with Tribal entities, community partners, and culturally relevant service providers to support children and families.
Provide Active Efforts to prevent placement of children in substitute care and continue those efforts toward the return of children to their own homes when they have been placed out of their own home.
Respond to reports of alleged child abuse or neglect and conduct family assessments using the Oregon Safety Model.
Prepare and present court reports, including reviews by the Citizen Review Board (CRB) and dependency hearings, and make recommendations about custody and guardianship.