Social Service Specialist 1, Child Protective Services Worker or Permanency Worker

State of Oregon•Springfield, MO

4d•$4,954 - $7,592•Onsite

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Human Services is hiring Social Service Specialist 1 employees for Child Protective Services Worker or Permanency Worker assignments in Eugene/Springfield, Lane County. The role supports the Child Welfare Program and the Child Welfare Vision for Transformation, working to improve the safety, health, and well-being of children and young adults while supporting families and meeting legal obligations. In the Child Protective Services Worker assignment, the specialist conducts child welfare assessments by interviewing children and parents, gathering collateral information, reviewing records, and observing home environments. The specialist assesses child safety, determines whether abuse or neglect has occurred, documents findings, and takes protective action when necessary. The role also involves developing service plans, coordinating evaluations and community services, arranging substitute care placements, preparing court documentation, attending hearings, and participating in multidisciplinary team meetings. In the Permanency Worker assignment, the specialist monitors the safety, well-being, and development of children in care through regular contact and coordination with families, schools, and service providers. The specialist develops and implements case plans, supports permanency goals such as reunification and adoption, facilitates and observes parent-child visits, coordinates services and referrals, and tracks progress toward case plan goals. The role also involves maintaining complete case records, preparing court reports and case presentations, providing testimony and recommendations when requested, and participating in hearings and citizen review board proceedings. This is a permanent, full-time, represented employee position. Work is on-site in Eugene and/or Springfield, Oregon, with a Monday–Friday schedule of 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Pacific Time; hours may fluctuate based on service needs, and occasional compensated evening and weekend overtime may be required. The job involves regular travel, including long-distance, remote-location, and hazardous-weather travel, and occasional overnight travel. Work takes place in offices, participants’ homes, and other community settings. Duties include navigating stairs and uneven terrain and helping children weighing up to 40 pounds in and out of car seats. The work may involve sensitive subjects, trauma, abuse, crises, emotional distress, and stressful situations requiring quick safety decisions.

Requirements

A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
Meet one of the stated education and experience pathways: a bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field; a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field plus 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.
For positions engaged in child protective investigations and/or custody determinations, meet the educational requirements under ORS 419B.021; experience alone does not meet the minimum qualifications, and any required degree must be completed rather than in progress.
Work independently and collaboratively with team members to complete tasks and achieve shared goals.
Use trauma-informed de-escalation techniques to respond to distress, conflict, or challenging behaviors.
Organize and prioritize tasks to manage competing responsibilities and meet deadlines.
Communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing, to share information, explain procedures, or document activities.
Work with people from diverse backgrounds while respecting individual needs, perspectives, and cultural differences.
Use word processing software and navigate databases to enter, retrieve, or maintain information.
Complete a criminal history and background check and receive FBI Criminal Justice Information Services clearance through a fingerprint-based criminal records check if selected as a finalist.
Be authorized to work in the United States; the employer does not offer visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities

Conduct child welfare assessments, including interviewing children and parents, gathering collateral information, reviewing records, and observing home environments.
Assess child safety, determine whether abuse or neglect has occurred, document findings, and take protective action when necessary.
Develop service plans based on individual and family needs, coordinating medical evaluations, community resources, parenting programs, and substitute care placements.
Coordinate referrals for forensic, mental health, and behavioral assessments.
Prepare court documentation, attend court hearings, and participate in multidisciplinary team meetings related to child welfare assessments.
Monitor the safety, well-being, and developmental progress of children in care through regular contact, visitation, and coordination with families, schools, and service providers.
Develop and implement case plans with parents, children, extended family members, and community partners to address individual needs, coordinate services, and support permanency goals, including reunification and adoption.
Facilitate and observe parent-child visits, assess family relationships, provide feedback, and coordinate transportation as needed.
Coordinate services and referrals for children and parents, monitor progress toward case plan goals, and support families in meeting children’s educational, developmental, and treatment needs.
Review and maintain complete case records, including family history, legal documentation, treatment reports, correspondence, referrals, payments, and required forms, in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
Prepare court reports and case presentations, provide testimony and recommendations when requested, and participate in court hearings and citizen review board proceedings.