Social Service Specialist 1 (Child Protective Services)

About the role

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking compassionate individuals to join our team and help us create lasting, positive transformations in the lives of Oregon's most vulnerable children and families. Join us as a Permanency Worker and be the bridge that connects families, understanding their dynamics and making a lasting impact on those in need in Oregon!

Responsibilities

• Safety & Wellbeing: Help families achieve their goals while ensuring the safety and well-being of children.
• Engagement: Engage with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers in various ways to promote safety, permanency, and optimal outcomes for Oregon’s children and families.
• Assessment and Interviews: Conduct assessment and fact-finding interviews related to child safety, risk of abuse, neglect, or harm. Address necessary care and needs levels of the children and families.
• Strategies: Develop and implement multi-level strategies that leverage family strengths and address areas for improvement.
• Decision-Making: Analyze collected information and determine appropriate child placement, considering each family’s unique circumstances.
• Communication: Create reports, case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations in office, community, or legal settings.

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;
• Completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency;
• An associate degree and either:
• Two years of Human Services related experience;
• One year of Human Services related experience and related training, coursework or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.

Essential Attributes

• Experience of protecting children from abuse and neglect withing their own families, foster care homes, other out of home care settings.
• Experience in responding to assigned referrals regarding alleged child abuse or neglect when a field assessment is necessary.
• Experience making determination if abuse/neglect has occurred and taken action per OSSM as appropriate.
• Experience in attending Court Hearings related to CPS Assessments.
• Staff with DDA/AAG and/or Community Partners.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: 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; completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency. Essential Attributes: Experience of protecting children from abuse and neglect withing their own families, foster care homes, other out-of-home care settings. Experience in responding to assigned referrals regarding alleged child abuse or neglect when a field assessment is necessary. Experience making determination if abuse/neglect has occurred and taking action per OSSM as appropriate. Experience in attending Court Hearings related to CPS Assessments. Staff with DDA/AAG and/or Community Partners.