Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

About the role

The Oregon Department of Human Services seeks to fill a Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) position in John Day, Oregon. This role involves engaging with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers to achieve safety and optimal outcomes for Oregon’s 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

• A bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field.
• Or a bachelor’s degree unrelated to human services and one year of human services related experience.
• Or completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
• Or an associate degree and 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.

Essential Attributes

• Experience providing services and resources to children and families while working or volunteering in a social services-related field.
• Experience conducting assessment and fact-finding interviews related to child safety, risk of abuse, neglect, or harm.
• Experience writing documents or reports that include a conclusion and recommended action.
• Demonstrated experience to think analytically and utilize critical thinking skills in high-pressure situations and defuse confrontational situations.
• Experience building partnerships with community organizations, agency staff.

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.