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

About the role

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking a Child Protective Services (CPS) Worker to join our team in Astoria. This role plays a crucial part in safeguarding children and fostering family resilience through culturally informed practices.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required.
• A bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field, or a bachelor’s degree unrelated to human services with one year of relevant experience, or an associate degree with two years of relevant experience and related training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.

Essential Attributes

• 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.

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.

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.