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

State of Oregon • Springfield, MO

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Human Services’ Office of Child Welfare is hiring Social Service Specialist 1 workers in Eugene/Springfield, Lane County. Depending on assignment, the position serves as a Child Protective Services (CPS) Worker or Permanency Worker. Employees work directly with children and families to promote child safety, well-being, and permanency while meeting legal obligations and supporting the Child Welfare Vision for Transformation.

CPS Workers conduct child welfare assessments, evaluate safety and allegations of abuse or neglect, develop service plans, coordinate evaluations and services, and participate in court and multidisciplinary team proceedings. Permanency Workers monitor children in care, develop and implement case plans, coordinate services and family visits, maintain case records, and participate in court and citizen review board proceedings.

The position is permanent and full-time, represented by SEIU, and based on-site in Eugene and/or Springfield, Oregon. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, though hours may fluctuate with service needs. Remote work is unavailable. Occasional compensated overtime during evening and weekend work may be required. The role involves regular travel, including long-distance travel and travel in hazardous weather, sometimes to remote locations without reliable cell service; occasional overnight travel may also be required. Work takes place in offices, participants’ homes, and other community locations. Employees may encounter sensitive topics, stressful situations, and people affected by trauma, and must use a trauma-informed approach.

A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required. The hiring process includes criminal history and background checks, including a fingerprint-based FBI CJIS check for finalists. The role requires the specified completed education; a degree in progress does not meet the degree requirement.

Requirements

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• A completed bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a field related to human services; or a completed unrelated bachelor’s degree 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.
• Experience working independently and collaboratively with team members to complete tasks and achieve shared goals.
• Experience using trauma-informed de-escalation techniques in response to distress, conflict, or challenging behaviors.
• Experience organizing and prioritizing tasks to manage competing responsibilities and meet deadlines.
• Experience communicating clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing, to share information, explain procedures, or document activities.
• Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds while respecting individual needs, perspectives, and cultural differences.
• Experience using word processing software and navigating databases to enter, retrieve, or maintain information.
• Ability to complete required criminal history and background checks, including a fingerprint-based FBI CJIS check for finalists.
• Authorization to work in the United States; the employer does not offer visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• For CPS assignments, conduct child welfare assessments by interviewing children and parents, gathering collateral information, reviewing records, and observing home environments.
• Assess child safety, determine whether abuse or neglect 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.
• For Permanency assignments, 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 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 educational, developmental, and treatment needs.
• Review and maintain complete case records, including family history, legal documentation, treatment reports, correspondence, referrals, payments, and required forms, consistent with 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.

Benefits

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Annual salary increases until the top of the listed salary range is reached.
• Benefits package (specific benefits not detailed in the posting).
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers who meet the position qualifications receive candidate preference.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level