Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

Initial Posting Date: 02/05/2026 Application Deadline: 02/18/2026 Agency: Department of Human Services Salary Range: $4,954 - $7,592 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) Job Description: The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. Opportunity awaits! 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 position may be for you! Summary of Duties 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 (CPS) Worker, you will: Safety and Support: Protect children’s safety and support families by engaging with them, resource parents, and caregivers. Using a trauma-informed and antiracist approach. A Balancing Act: Navigate the needs of the child and the family while balancing legal requirements. Assessment and Interviews: Conduct assessment and fact-finding interviews related to child safety, risk of abuse, neglect or harm. You will also address necessary care and needs levels of the children and families. Decision-Making: Analyzing collected information, you will determine appropriate child placement, considering each family’s unique circumstances. Communication: You will create reports, case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations in office, community, or legal settings. Interested in learning more? Here are some testimonials from current ODHS Workers. Minimum Qualifications A bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a field related to human services; OR A bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services AND either One (1) 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 (2) years of Human Services related experience; OR One (1) year of Human Services related experience and related training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency. Per pursuant to ORS 419B.021, states that any position engaged in child protective investigations and/or custody determinations must meet the educational requirements. Experience alone will not meet the minimum qualifications for those positions. Degree must be completed, not in progress. Essential Attributes We are looking for candidates with: Experience with crisis intervention and conflict resolution, applying trauma-informed de-escalation tactics and behavior management strategies while maintaining professionalism and fostering collaborative, peaceful resolutions Experience with critical thinking and making rapid, sound decisions to navigate time-sensitive or tense situations. Experience fostering psychological safety, well-being, and belonging; promoting a culture of equity and inclusion that actively supports the ODHS mission to create an anti-racist workplace and ensure equitable treatment for all. Experience communicating complex information to diverse audiences—including families, colleagues, and community partners—both orally and in writing. Experience adapting communication to varied learning and communication styles, demonstrating active listening and respect by incorporating feedback into solutions and follow-up actions. Experience mentoring and engaging families to develop and implement successful strategies, while connecting them to community and family supports to achieve least restrictive outcomes. Experience handling confidential information with unwavering professionalism, holding self and others to high standards of honesty and integrity. Experience applying lessons-learned to varying environments and situations; welcome constructive feedback and suggestions to strengthen work performance. Attention all candidates: A cover letter is required (2-page limit)! Clearly describe how you meet the essential attributes listed above in your cover letter. Your resume (optional) and cover letter (required) may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the hiring process and will be used to determine your starting salary range if you are selected as a final candidate. Please include detailed work history that includes the month/year start date and month/year end date for each role/job. If applicable for college degrees, please clearly indicate if a degree has been completed when providing educational history (graduation dates are not required). If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is listed as a minimum qualification for the position, please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process. The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process. The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification. Working Conditions Employee’s work schedule will be Monday - Friday from 8 am - 5 pm Pacific Time; hours may fluctuate based on service needs. Work will be conducted in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites. There may be an opportunity for some occasional remote workdays. This will need to be discussed and approved by the manager. Occasional, compensated overtime and after-hours work is required, including evening and weekend work. Employee will be on a rotating on-call schedule, including evening or 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. This role involves handling sensitive topics related to trauma, abuse, and crises, requiring a trauma-informed approach that is essential to ensure a safe environment. May encounter situations requiring quick decision-making to ensure the safety of oneself or others. Activities include traversing stairs, moving on uneven terrain, and helping children (weighing up to 50 pounds) in and out of car seats. Background Checks and Requirements If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information. Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint-based criminal records check. 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. Benefits ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning. 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 . Employment Preference Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard preference: Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources. General Information This is a permanent, full-time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification. 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 Alissa Walker. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number. Email: ALISSA.WALKER@odhs.oregon.gov Phone (call or text): 503-519-1807