Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

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The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by ourEquity North Starand our vision for a positiveRiSE organizational culturethat 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 Oregons 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 youll be at the heart of this important work conducting child safety assessments through an equity and culturally relevant lens. If youre passionate about making a difference and this sounds like the challenge youve been waiting for dont wait!

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 Oregons 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 childrens 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 familys 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

• A bachelors degree in human services or a field related to human service OR

• A bachelors 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 engaging trauma-impacted families from diverse backgrounds and in-person assessments.

• Experience engaging with community partners and organizations to support families from diverse backgrounds.

• Experience contributing to psychological safety well-being and belonging to a team environment.

• Experience with dynamic workflow management in a high volume environment.

Attention all candidates! Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history.

Please make sure your application materials resume and job history are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.

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

• As part of your job with Child Welfare you may work with hostile and resistant clients in person by phone or by email.

• You are expected to work competently within the agencys electronic information systems. Your competencies shall minimally include: Microsoft Teams Microsoft Word Microsoft Excel Microsoft Outlook and OR-Kids. You may be required to develop components in other computer applications depending on your job assignment.

• There may be prolonged periods of sitting or standing in front of a computer.

• You will be working in an open office environment with noise from telephones printers and other staff.

• The nature of conversations you may overhear may include uncomfortable topics related to child abuse and neglect.

• Position may require some travel to do purchases with SPOTS card.

• The employee must have a valid drivers license from the state in which they reside and an acceptable driving record as determined by the Background Check

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. Additional background check information.

• 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 Securitys 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 drivers 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

We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) application questions or job-specific questions.

The recruiter for this position is Bonnie Nyssen. If you contact the recruiter please include the job requisition number.

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