Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are actively working to build an equitable agency with the Equity North Star as our guide toward our vision of an agency free of racism, discrimination and bias. We believe that teams in which everyone can show up as their full authentic self are key to creating a thriving workforce that can better serve communities. We welcome members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to apply.

Imagine a role where you engage with children, families, resource parents and caregivers to achieve safety and optimal outcomes for Oregon’s children and families. Imagine yourself conducting child safety assessments through an equity and culturally relevant lens. If you're looking to make a difference and this sounds intriguing, this Child Protective Services Worker position may be for you! 

we are seeking to fill positions in our Gold Beach location.

Understanding Gold Beach, Oregon:

Our office is located in the beautiful city of Gold Beach, along the southern Oregon coast with a new addition in the neighboring city, Brookings, coming in the summer of 2024. Gold Beach is a friendly community where the Rogue River meets the Pacific Ocean, with beaches stretching for miles in blissful quiet and the seaside hills make for brag-worthy hikes. Adventures of all kinds await in Gold Beach!

Want to calculate your commute time?  Check out this mileage and driving distance calculator!
 

This job posting is open until further notice. We will review applications every two weeks. Please apply now as we could close this job posting at any time. 

Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), A place to belong and make a difference!

When you join the ODHS, you join a community of over 10,000 employees dedicated to serving and helping Oregonians achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice, and preserve dignity.  

Connect with ODHS Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and find a place to belong, build community and participate in shared learning. ERGs are employee-driven committees that support each other as well as the ODHS’ overall mission and vision.   

We are committed to building an antiracist and equitable agency. Equity is foundational to our role as a human services agency, and we are committed to integrating equity into all we do. The Equity North Star has four points that explain the agency's goals related to equity, inclusion, and racial justice. 

We know that life is unpredictable and ODHS cares about keeping you well. Enjoy a work-life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, and competitive benefits packages including health, dental, vision and much more!  

Your duties at a glance 

As an employee working within the Child Welfare Program, you will have an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Oregon’s most vulnerable children and families. Your dedication will help us achieve the Child Welfare Vision for Transformation that will support children and young adults to be safer, healthier, experience less trauma and achieve a greater well-being.   

As a Child Protective Services Worker, you will:

Respond to allegations of alleged child abuse and neglect.

Conduct fact-finding interviews with children, parents, and other parties.

Observe home environments.

Make determinations about whether abuse or neglect has occurred and taking protective measures when appropriate.

Arrange medical evaluations and substitute care placement of children.

Attend court hearings and meetings related to child protective services assessments.

Fulfill various documentation requirements.

Interested in learning more? Here are some testimonials from current ODHS Permanency Workers.

What you need to qualify

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.

Essential attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

Demonstrated ability to work well both independently and with a team.

Experience utilizing time management, organization, and prioritization skills to meet deadlines.

Demonstrated ability to write clearly, thoroughly, and concisely with minimal spelling or grammar issues.

Experience working well with people from a wide variety of backgrounds through a culturally competent lens.

Experience using Microsoft Word and Excel.

Please be sure to clearly describe how you meet these attributes within your application materials. These attributes will be used to determine which candidates will be selected to move forward in the process. 

Working conditions

Your work will be conducted in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites.

Frequent travel around the county is required. Some travel may be hours away.

Hours of work may fluctuate based on service needs.  Occasional compensated overtime may be required, including evening and weekend work.

You 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.

Application instructions & requirements 

Your work history profile, and resume are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and demonstrate your skills, lived and/or work experience that shows you are an excellent candidate for the position.  

Please upload a resume or complete the work history profile. Note: Your resume may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.

Current State of Oregon employees: Apply via your employee Workday account.

If you are not a current State of Oregon employee, view this application instructional video.

After you submit your application, you will have additional tasks to complete in Workday. Please continue to check your Workday account throughout the recruitment process.

Additional requirements 

Finalists for this position will be subject to a computerized criminal history and abuse check.  Adverse background information will be reviewed and could result in withdrawal of a conditional job offer or termination of employment.

The Oregon Department of Human Services 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 will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

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

Helpful information

This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.

Have questions about Workday, and want some tips on understanding the state application process? Check out this link.

If you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, have questions or need assistance with the application process, please contact Sugei Hernandez via email at Sugei.Hernandez@odhs.oregon.gov. Please be sure to include the job requisition number.