Job Details

Initial Posting Date:
02/26/2025

Application Deadline:
/

Agency:
Department of Human Services

Salary Range:
$4,833 - $7,407

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! Join us in making a difference in the lives of children and families in need. Become a part of our dedicated team and be a part of something greater.

Please note: This recruitment will be open until all positions are filled. Applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications every two weeks.

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 and safety plans to ensure child safety. Investigations are done in family homes, schools, and other locations as necessary.
• Engage with children, families, resource parents and caregivers in a multitude of ways. All engagement will be conducted through a trauma-informed and antiracist lens. Oftentimes individuals may be angry, hostile, confrontational, and emotional.
• Conduct fact-finding interviews with children and parents/caregivers to assess family circumstances. This includes discussing and/or observing highly sensitive, traumatic, and emotional events and issues surrounding child abuse and/or neglect.
• Gather collateral information from school personnel, doctors, therapists, family members, and law enforcement officers to be used in safety planning and decision making.
• Arrange medical evaluations and substitute care placement for children as needed.
• Balance the needs of the child and the family in conjunction with balancing legal rules, statutes, policies, and laws.
• Meet timelines and documentation requirements. Search and enter information using various computer databases/programs.
• Complete detailed and lengthy reports using the information gathered regarding the alleged abuse/neglect and family circumstances.
• Present and testify in court as needed.

Want to learn more? Watch this video of testimonials from current ODHS Child Protective Services workers.

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:

• Experience using time management, organization, and prioritization skills to meet competing deadlines.
• Experience using behavior management, crisis intervention, or conflict resolution techniques to de-escalate situations.
• Experience using computer technology including Microsoft Word, Outlook and various computer systems/software.
• Experience building collaborative relationships with community partners and people.
• Experience writing detailed documents or reports that include a conclusion and recommended action with minimal spelling or grammar issues (examples: treatment plans, service referrals, case plans, court reports, investigative reports).
• Experience prioritizing equity and using a trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach.
• Experience using critical thinking to identify and solve problems.

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

• Majority of your work will be conducted in the Klamath Falls ODHS Child Welfare office and community. You may have some opportunities for remote work, but this will need to be discussed with and approved by your manager.
• Your typical work schedule will be Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST).
• You will work a professional work week where the hours of work fluctuate on a daily and weekly basis to meet service needs. Occasional compensated overtime will be required, including evening and weekend work.
• You will have frequent local travel. Occasional travel may be hours away.
• 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 situations that require quick decision-making to ensure safety of yourself and others.

Background Checks and Requirements

• A valid driver's 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 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.

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.
• 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 Ashlee Parpart. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-174133.
• Email: ...@odhs.oregon.gov