Social Service Specialist 1

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! Join us in making a difference in the lives of children and families in need. Engage with children families resource parents and caregivers to achieve safety and optimal outcomes for Oregons children and families. If youre looking to make a difference this position may be for you!

This is an in-person position where work is conducted in the Roseburg ODHS Child Welfare office participants homes and other community sites.

Please note: This recruitment will be open until all positions are filled.

Summary of Duties

As a Child Protective Services 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. Additionally address necessary care and needs levels of the children and families.

• Decision-Making: Analyze collected information determine appropriate child placement consider each familys unique circumstances.

• Communication: 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 connecting with children and families under time-sensitive and challenging circumstances to gather information and make informed decisions that are inclusive of the child and the familys language race and culture.

• Experience working well both independently and with a team.

• Experience using time management organization and prioritization skills to meet deadlines.

• Experience gathering information writing clearly thoroughly and concisely and conveying complex conclusions with recommended actions in a time sensitive manner. (examples: case plans court reports investigative reports).

• Experience thinking analytically and using critical thinking skills in high pressure situations to defuse confrontational situations.

• Knowledge or experience with crisis intervention conflict resolution techniques or behavior management techniques.

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.

Working Conditions

• This is an in-person position. Your work will be conducted in the local Roseburg ODHS office participants homes and other community sites.

• Your typical work schedule will be Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST).

• You will have frequent local travel around the county. Occasional travel may be hours away.

• You will need to prioritize work related to child safety and respond quickly to emergent situations.

• You will interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions.

• You may encounter stressful situations that require quick decision-making to ensure safety of yourself and others.

Background Checks and Requirements

• A valid drivers license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.

• 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.

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

• 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.

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.

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.

• Oregon National Guard. Form DA5016 DD214 or NGB22 Required. Eligible starting January 2026. 5% awarded.

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.

• 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.

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 Brent Lawrence. If you contact the recruiter please include the job requisition number:

• Email: