Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) - Child Protective Service (CPS) (Social Service Specialist 1)

About the role

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking an Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) – Child Protective Service (CPS) Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1) to join the Child Protective Services Unit of its ICWA Program. This role is part of a team dedicated to serving Oregon Tribes, other federally recognized Tribes, tribal children, and families.

Responsibilities

• Communicate and partner with Tribal entities, community partners, and culturally relevant service providers to support children and families.
• Provide Active Efforts to prevent placement of children in substitute care and continue those efforts toward the return of children to their own homes when they have been placed out of their home.
• Respond to reports of alleged child abuse or neglect and conduct family assessments using the Oregon Safety Model.
• Prepare and present court reports, including reviews by the Citizen Review Board (CRB) and dependency hearings, and make recommendations about custody and guardianship.

Requirements

• Per ORS 419B.021, states that any position engaged in child protective investigations and/or custody determinations must meet the educational requirements.
• 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.

Essential Attributes

• Experience supporting Tribal Sovereignty, respecting and upholding the inherent authority of Tribes to govern their own communities.
• Experience communicating in a way that respects Tribal protocols, values and communication styles.
• Experience screening & assessing allegations of abuse and neglect of children.
• Experience preparing and maintaining narrative documentation of the activities concerning individual client cases.
• Experience communicating effectively with people over the telephone, in writing and in person.
• Demonstrated understanding and effectively engage and work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience using a variety of computer software, Microsoft Word and Outlook to produce accurate work and meet timelines.
• Experience working with people impacted by complex trauma.

Qualifications

• Experience alone will not meet the minimum qualifications for those positions.
• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.

Skills

Experience supporting Tribal Sovereignty, respecting and upholding the inherent authority of Tribes to govern their own communities.

Experience communicating in a way that respects Tribal protocols, values and communication styles.

Experience screening & assessing allegations of abuse and neglect of children.

Experience preparing and maintaining narrative documentation of the activities concerning individual client cases.

Experience communicating effectively with people over the telephone, in writing and in person.

Demonstrated understanding and effectively engage and work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Experience using a variety of computer software, Microsoft Word and Outlook to produce accurate work and meet timelines.

Experience working with people impacted by complex trauma.

Benefits

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

Pay

$4,954 - $7,592

Schedule

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