Job Description

Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

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! Are you ready to make a real impact in the lives of Oregon's children and families? Imagine being the one who steps in to ensure safety, support, and positive outcomes for those who need it most. As a Child Protective Services Worker, you'll be at the heart of this important work, conducting child safety assessments through an equity and culturally relevant lens. If you're passionate about making a difference and this sounds like the challenge you've been waiting for, don't wait! We are hiring for multiple positions!

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 a Child Protective Services (CPS) Worker, you will:

• Safety and Support: Protect children's safety and support families by engaging with them, resource parents, and caregivers. Using a trauma-informed and antiracist approach.

• A Balancing Act: Navigate the needs of the child and the family while balancing legal requirements.

• Assessment and Interviews: Conduct assessment and fact-finding interviews related to child safety, risk of abuse, neglect, or harm. You will also address necessary care and needs levels of the children and families.

• Decision-Making: Analyzing collected information, you will determine appropriate child placement, considering each family's unique circumstances.

• Communication: You will create reports, case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations in office, community, or legal settings.

Minimum Qualifications

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 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.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience in crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and behavior management.

• Experience writing reports that include conclusions and recommended action.

• Experience engaging children and families under time-sensitive and difficult circumstances, to gather information and make informed decisions, that are inclusive of the child and the family's language, race, and culture.

• Experience engaging and working with community partners and organizations.

• Collaboration as a team member to support resource parents, children, and youth.

• Experience setting boundaries, participating in self-observation, and prioritizing self-care to maintain work-life balance promote well-being.

Attention all candidates! Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Please include detailed work and education history. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Note: The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification.

Working Conditions

• Your work will be conducted in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites.

• Occasional travel is required for attending meetings, trainings, and other case related activities.

• Employee will work a professional work week; hours of work may fluctuate based on service needs. Occasional, compensated overtime may be required, including evening and weekend work. Employee will be on a rotating on-call schedule. The rotating on-call schedule will include evening or weekend work.

• In this role, you will encounter sensitive material related to trauma, abuse, substance use, and crisis situations. Our team prioritizes a trauma-informed approach, creating a safe environment for both clients and staff.

• You will interact with a diverse range of individuals, including those who have experienced trauma and may struggle with emotional regulation. This position may involve handling stressful situations that demand rapid decision-making skills.

Background Checks and Requirements

• If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification.

• The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

• Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint-based criminal records check.

• A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.

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.

Employment Preference

• Veterans' preference: Veterans' preference information.

• How to submit your Veteran documents for preference. Please do not attach your Veterans' preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application.

General Information

• This is a permanent, full-time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

Contact Information

• The recruiter for this position is Rochelle Peters. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-166910.

• Email: Rochelle.m.peters@odhs.oregon.gov

Job Tags

Similar Jobs