Child Protective Services (CPS) Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

Opportunity awaits!

What if your next career move could transform lives? Join us as a Child Protective Services worker, where you'll play a crucial role in safeguarding children and fostering family resilience through culturally informed practices!

Our Astoria office has two exciting positions that are now open - apply now, your future awaits!

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:

• Respond to referrals, interviewing children, families and contacts.

• Observe home environments, conduct child safety assessments, and make determinations of abuse or neglect, taking protective action when necessary.

• Develop service plans to meet the needs of children and families.

• Arrange medical evaluations, placements, and connect families with services and resources.

• Create reports, safety plans, assessment evaluations, case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations. 

Minimum Qualifications

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

• 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:

• Proficiency in writing detailed reports, including conclusions and recommended actions, with minimal spelling or grammar issues.

• Experience engaging with children and families under time-sensitive and challenging circumstances, to gather information and make informed decisions.

• Experience communicating complex information to families, colleagues, and community partners in a clear and concise manner. 

• Experience managing time, staying organized and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines.

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

• Experience adopting trauma-informed practices that consider individual needs, safety, trust-building, and cultural sensitivity. 

Attention all candidates!

• 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. If selected as the top candidate for this position, and education is a requirement in the minimum qualifications, please be prepared to provide verification of your college/university degree with month/year of completion for further consideration. 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

• 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.

• Occasional overnight travel may be required.

• Employee’s work schedule will be Monday – Friday from 8 am – 5 pm PT; hours may fluctuate based on services needs.

• Occasional, compensated overtime may be required, including evening and weekend work.  Address sensitive issues related to trauma, abuse, substance use, and crises. 

• Engage with a diverse range of individuals, including those who have experienced trauma and may face challenges with emotional regulation. 

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. 

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

• These are permanent, full-time positions and are 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 Rochelle Peters. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number.

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