Child Protective Services CPS (Social Service Specialist 1)

About the role

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking a Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) in their Gresham office on SE 223rd Avenue. This role involves making a meaningful difference in the lives of Oregon’s most vulnerable children and families.

Responsibilities

• Respond to referrals and determine whether child abuse or neglect has occurred.
• Gather information through interviews with parents and children.
• Observe and analyze the safety of home environments.
• 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.

Requirements

• Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field, or a combination of education and experience meeting the minimum qualifications.
• Experience alone will not meet the minimum qualifications for those positions.
• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required.

Essential Attributes

• Experience screening and assessing clients’ needs to determine appropriate community and culturally responsive resources.
• Experience preparing and maintaining thorough records, such as reports, narratives, and observations.
• Demonstrated understanding of working with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated proficient verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write in plain language and communicate clearly.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively to meet deadlines, and utilize computer skills proficiently.

Working Conditions

• Your work will be conducted in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites.
• Employee’s work schedule will be Monday- Friday from 8am-5pm PT; hours may fluctuate based on service needs.
• Occasional compensated overtime during evening and weekend work may be required.
• This position will be required to participate in an on-call rotation for mandatory on call for child protective services.
• Frequent travel is required. Some travel may be hours away. Some travel may be in hazardous weather conditions.
• You may interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions.
• Walking into stressful situations that may require quick decision-making skills to ensure safety of those being serviced and own physical safety.
• This may also be trauma inducing.

Benefits

• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
• Awesome benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Employment Preference

• Veterans’ Preference information.

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 Sugei Hernandez. Please include the REQ# when corresponding. Email: Sugei.Hernandez@odhs.oregon.gov