Child Protective Services CPS (Social Service Specialist 1)

About the role

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking a Child Protective Services Worker to join the Beaverton Child Welfare team. This position plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of children and families.

Responsibilities

• Safety & Wellbeing: Engage in activities to help families achieve their goals while ensuring the safety and well-being of children.
• Engagement: Work with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers to promote safety, permanency, and optimal outcomes.
• Assessment and Interviews: Conduct assessments and fact-finding interviews related to child safety, risk of abuse, neglect, or harm.
• Strategies: Develop and implement multi-level strategies that leverage family strengths and address areas for improvement.
• Decision-Making: Analyze collected information to determine child safety, considering each family's unique circumstances.
• Communication: Create reports, case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations in various settings.

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• A bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field, or an associate degree with two years of related experience and related training, coursework, or certification.

Essential Attributes

• Knowledge or experience in crisis intervention, conflict resolution, or behavior management.
• Experience asking questions to collect key details, assessing needs, and providing appropriate support.
• Experience explaining complex rules and guidelines in simple clear language.
• Experience gathering information and writing professional reports with conclusions and recommendations.
• Experience engaging with people in difficult or urgent situations, helping navigate challenges and find solutions.
• Experience working with people from different backgrounds, partnering with community groups and organizations to provide resources or services.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: See above.

Benefits

• Annual salary increases until reaching the top of the listed salary range.
• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Amazing benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Employment Preference

• Veterans' and Oregon National Guard preference eligible.

Background Checks and Requirements

• Criminal history and background check.
• FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) fingerprint-based criminal records check.