Child Protective Services (Social Service Specialist 1)

Initial posting: 08/05/2026 • Application deadline: 08/12/2026

About the role

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking a Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) to join our team in the Portland office on Glisan Street. This role is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Oregon’s most vulnerable children and families, helping to achieve the Child Welfare Vision for Transformation that supports children and young adults to be safer, healthier, experience less trauma, and achieve greater well-being.

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 information into databases.
• Arrange medical evaluations and substitute care placement for children.
• Present and testify in court.

Requirements

Per ORS 419B.021, any position engaged in child protective investigations and/or custody determinations must meet the following educational requirements. Experience alone will not qualify; the degree must be completed, not in progress.

• 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.

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

Skills

We are looking for candidates with the following attributes:

• Experience building partnerships with community organizations, agency staff, clients, and affected communities.
• Experience communicating clearly with diverse groups in both verbal and written forms.
• Experience preparing and maintaining thorough records, such as reports, narratives, and observations.
• Experience identifying client needs and connecting them to relevant and culturally responsive services.
• Experience organizing tasks, prioritizing responsibilities, and managing time to meet deadlines.
• Experience providing services and resources to children and families in social services settings.

Working Conditions

• Work will be conducted in offices, participants' homes, and other community sites.
• Standard work schedule is Monday - Friday from 8 am - 5 pm PT; hours may fluctuate based on service needs.
• Occasional compensated overtime during evening and weekend work may be required.
• Participation in an on-call rotation for mandatory child protective services is required.
• Frequent travel is required; some travel may be hours away or in hazardous weather conditions.
• May interact with individuals who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions.
• May require quick decision-making in stressful situations to ensure the safety of those being serviced and your own physical safety, which may be trauma-inducing.

Background Checks

• ODHS 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 uses E-Verify.
• If selected as a finalist, a criminal history and background check will be conducted. Adverse findings may lead to disqualification.
• Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint-based criminal records check.
• Per ORS 419B.021, educational requirements must be met; experience alone does not qualify.

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).
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Pay

Monthly salary range: $4,954 - $7,592. If you are already a participating PERS member or become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.

Schedule

This is a permanent, full-time position. The position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).