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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.

Bilingual requirement English and Spanish

This position requires duties to be completed in both English and Spanish. The job offer will be contingent upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements of the position. This position may receive a 5% differential pay based on passing the required language test.

Note: Effective Feb. 1, 2026, the compensation plan for this position will be increased to reflect a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%. The salary listed in this posting does not reflect the COLA.

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 Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) position may be for you!

Summary of Duties

As a Child Protective Services (CPS) Worker, you will:

• Respond to referrals interviewing children, parents, and contacts.

• Observe home environments, conduct child safety assessments, and make determinations of abuse or neglect, taking protective action when necessary.

• Develop service plans to meet the needs of children and families.

• Arrange medical evaluations, placements, and connect families with services and resources.

• Create reports, safety plans, assessment evaluations, case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations.

Minimum Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in Spanish and English.

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

• 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

We are looking for candidates with:

• Knowledge or experience in crisis intervention, conflict resolution, or behavior management.

• Experience asking questions to collect key details, assess needs, and provide appropriate support.

• Experience explaining complex rules and guidelines in simple, clear language.

• Experience gathering information and writing professional reports with conclusions and recommendations.

• Experience engaging with people in difficult or urgent situations, helping navigate challenges and find solutions.

• Experience working with people from different backgrounds, partnering with community groups and organizations, to provide resources or services.

Working Conditions

• Work will take place in offices, participants' homes, and various community sites.

• Occasional travel for meetings, trainings, and other case related activities. This includes required occasional overnight travel.

• Regular work week with fluctuating hours; occasional overtime may be needed, including evenings and weekends.

• You’ll be part of a rotating on-call schedule that includes evenings and weekends.

• Frequent physical activity, including lifting up to 50 pounds and assisting children with car seats.

• 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.

• You may interact with individuals experiencing trauma or emotional distress. There may be times when individuals have difficulties with managing their emotional responses.

• You may meet situations requiring quick decision-making to ensure your safety or the safety of others.

Attention all candidates! 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 selection process. Please include detailed work and education history.

• Your application materials are used to determine your starting salary range. Please ensure that all education and experience you would like considered are included in your application materials. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. You can attach multiple files in this area at once.

• 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. 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.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: 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.

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.

• 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.

• Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint-based criminal records check.

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

Please contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and application or Job-specific questions.

Please include the job requisition number: REQ-192471.

• Recruiter: Amanda Alvarado.

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone (call or text): 541-709-8695