Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

About the role

The Oregon Department of Human Services seeks to fill multiple openings for Child Protective Services Workers (Social Service Specialist 1) in the Pendleton and Hermiston offices. Positions are available in both offices and will be primarily located at the Child Welfare Pendleton Office, with the possibility of being a floater to support both offices.

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

• Per ORS 419B.021, must meet educational 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 relevant experience.
• An associate degree and relevant experience, or related training, coursework, or certification.
• Experience assessing the safety of children, assessing protective capabilities of parents/caregivers, working concurrent plans, and creating plans for children.
• Experience engaging and building partnerships with clients (parents & children), community organizations, agency staff, and affected communities.
• Experience organizing tasks, prioritizing responsibilities, and managing time to meet deadlines.
• Experience designing and managing effective organizational structures and workflows.
• Demonstrated strong multitasking skills and consistent performance in high-velocity settings.
• Experience preparing and maintaining thorough records, such as reports, narratives, and observations.

Qualifications

• Minimum educational requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience: One year of Human Services related experience, or completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
• Driver’s License: Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

Essential Attributes

• Prior experience assessing the safety of children and protective capabilities of parents/caregivers.
• Experience engaging and building partnerships with clients (parents & children), community organizations, agency staff, and affected communities.
• Experience organizing tasks, prioritizing responsibilities, and managing time to meet deadlines.
• Experience designing and managing effective organizational structures and workflows.
• Demonstrated strong multitasking skills and consistent performance in high-velocity settings.
• Experience preparing and maintaining thorough records, such as reports, narratives, and observations.

Working Conditions

• Work in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites.
• 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.
• Mandatory on-call for child protective services.
• Frequent travel is required, some travel may be hours away and in hazardous weather conditions.
• 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).
• Amazing benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Pay

Salary Range: $4,954.00 - $7,592.00 per month.

Schedule

Monday - Friday from 8 am - 5 pm PT; hours may fluctuate based on service needs.

Benefits

• 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.

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 Yvette Medford. Please include the REQ# when corresponding. Email: yvette.c.medford@odhs.oregon.gov Phone (call or text): 541-709-0306