Job Details

Initial Posting Date:
05/01/2025

Application Deadline:
/

Agency:
Department of Human Services

Salary Range:
4,833.00 - 7,407.00

Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:
Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

Job Description:

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! Ready to turn your passion for safeguarding children and strengthening families into a rewarding career? Look no further! The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking compassionate individuals to join our team and help us create lasting, positive transformations in the lives of Oregon's most vulnerable children and families.

Join our Medford Child Welfare team as a Child Protective Services Worker and be the bridge that connects families, understands their dynamics, and makes a lasting impact on those in need in Oregon! If you are looking to make a difference, this Child Protective Services Worker position may be for you!

We are seeking a Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)to join our Medford Child Welfare team.

Note: This recruitment will be open until the position is filled. The recruiter will review applications every two weeks. The next review date will be Thursday, May 15, 2025.

Summary of Duties

As a Child Protective Services Worker, you will:

• Investigate reports of safety concerns for Oregon's children and families. This includes conducting child safety assessments of alleged child abuse or neglect, evaluating whether a child has been or is currently at risk of being harmed and, if needed, determining appropriate services to ensure child safety.
• Engage with children, families, resource parents and caregivers in a multitude of ways to achieve the safety and optimal outcomes for Oregon's children and families. All engagement will be conducted through a trauma-informed and antiracist lens.
• Conduct child safety assessments of alleged child abuse or neglect to determine if a child has been or is at risk of being harmed.
• Balance the needs of the child and the family in conjunction with balancing legal requirements.
• Conduct assessment and fact-finding interviews to assess mental, physical, environmental, and social status of the caregiver.
• Analyze interview information to determine appropriate child placement. All determinations are made in consideration of each family's unique circumstances.
• Gather collateral information from school personnel, doctors, therapists, and law enforcement officers.
• Fulfill documentation requirements and enter info into databases.
• Arrange medical evaluations and substitute care placement for children.
• Present and testify in court.

To gain insight, watch this video on Child Protective Services operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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:

• Knowledge or experience with crisis intervention, conflict resolution techniques, or behavior management techniques.
• Experience or knowledge of conducting investigations and/or formal reviews to assess compliance with standards, policies, regulations, or laws.
• Experience using plain language to define and explain complex rules and guidelines.
• Experience collecting and writing professional documents or reports that include a conclusion and recommended action.
• Experience building collaborative relationships with community partners and/or organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively engage with families under challenging and time-sensitive circumstances.
• Experience working with diverse communities.

Attention all candidates! A cover letter is encouraged but not required. 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.

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

• Work Locations: Offices, homes of participants, and community sites.
• Travel: Occasional travel for meetings, trainings, and other case related activities. This includes required occasional overnight travel.
• Hours: Regular work week with fluctuating hours; occasional overtime may be needed, including evenings and weekends.
• On-Call: You'll be part of a rotating on-call schedule that includes evenings and weekends.
• Physical Requirements: Frequent physical activity, including lifting up to 50 pounds and assisting children with car seats.
• This role involves handling sensitive topics related to trauma, abuse, and crises, requiring a trauma-informed approach that is essential to ensure a safe environment.
• You may interact with individuals who have experienced trauma and may have difficulty managing their emotions.
• Be prepared for stressful situations that require quick decision-making to ensure safety for yourself and others.

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 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

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 Nadja Rue. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-162223.