Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)
Oregon Department of Human Services, Albany, OR, United States
Job Details
Position Title: Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)
Initial Posting Date: 04/24/2026
Application Deadline: 05/01/2026
Agency: Department of Human Services
Salary Range: $4,954 – $7,592
Position Type: Employee
Job Summary
We are looking for compassionate individuals to join our Albany Child Welfare team as a Child Protective Services Worker. This role focuses on safeguarding children and strengthening families by conducting safety assessments, gathering information, and coordinating services in a trauma‑informed, antiracist manner.
Responsibilities
Investigate reports of safety concerns for Oregon’s children and families, including conducting child safety assessments for alleged abuse or neglect.
Engage with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers to achieve safety and optimal outcomes for Oregon’s children.
Balance the needs of the child and the family with legal requirements.
Conduct assessment and fact‑finding interviews to evaluate mental, physical, environmental, and social status of caregivers.
Analyze interview information to determine appropriate child placement, accounting for each family’s unique circumstances.
Gather collateral information from schools, medical personnel, therapists, and law enforcement.
Maintain documentation and enter data into required databases.
Arrange medical evaluations and substitute care placement for children.
Present findings and testify in court as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field.
OR 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.
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.
Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
Essential Attributes
Effective communication with diverse groups, adapting style to the audience and producing high‑volume documentation such as case plans and court reports.
Ability to engage children and families quickly and effectively in time‑sensitive situations, considering language, race, and culture.
Strong critical‑thinking, problem‑solving, and creative or innovative skills to address unique family needs.
Team player who consistently contributes and supports colleagues.
Commitment to equity and trauma‑informed practice, inclusive of diverse backgrounds and circumstances.
Experience managing a caseload with the ability to multi‑task in high‑stress environments while meeting deadlines.
Ability to manage emotionally escalated situations, maintaining professional composure and workload within safety limits.
Benefits
Participation in ODHS Employee Resource Group communities.
Cost‑of‑Living Adjustments.
Annual salary increases (up to the top of the listed range).
Competitive benefits package.
Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (possible).
Working Conditions
Work conducted in offices, participants’ homes, and other community sites.
Travel required to transport children, potentially several hours away.
Frequent physical activity: walking on uneven terrain, assisting with vehicle transport, and carrying items up to 30 lbs.
On‑call duties required.
Occasional overtime, including evenings and weekends.
Exposure to individuals who have experienced trauma and may exhibit emotional outbursts.
High‑stress decision‑making required to ensure safety of children and self; situations may be trauma‑inducing.
Background Checks and Requirements
Criminal history and background check required; adverse findings may lead to disqualification.
Federal and state background checks, including FBI CJIS fingerprint‑based check, are required for finalists.
U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status verified with I‑9 and E‑Verify within three days of hire.
A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required.
Employment Preference
Veterans’ preference information is available. Submit required documentation separately from the resume or CV.
General Information
This is a permanent, full‑time position represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). The position may also be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The Oregon Department of Human Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from historically underrepresented groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others.
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Position Title: Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)
Initial Posting Date: 04/24/2026
Application Deadline: 05/01/2026
Agency: Department of Human Services
Salary Range: $4,954 – $7,592
Position Type: Employee
Job Summary
We are looking for compassionate individuals to join our Albany Child Welfare team as a Child Protective Services Worker. This role focuses on safeguarding children and strengthening families by conducting safety assessments, gathering information, and coordinating services in a trauma‑informed, antiracist manner.
Responsibilities
Investigate reports of safety concerns for Oregon’s children and families, including conducting child safety assessments for alleged abuse or neglect.
Engage with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers to achieve safety and optimal outcomes for Oregon’s children.
Balance the needs of the child and the family with legal requirements.
Conduct assessment and fact‑finding interviews to evaluate mental, physical, environmental, and social status of caregivers.
Analyze interview information to determine appropriate child placement, accounting for each family’s unique circumstances.
Gather collateral information from schools, medical personnel, therapists, and law enforcement.
Maintain documentation and enter data into required databases.
Arrange medical evaluations and substitute care placement for children.
Present findings and testify in court as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field.
OR 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.
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.
Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
Essential Attributes
Effective communication with diverse groups, adapting style to the audience and producing high‑volume documentation such as case plans and court reports.
Ability to engage children and families quickly and effectively in time‑sensitive situations, considering language, race, and culture.
Strong critical‑thinking, problem‑solving, and creative or innovative skills to address unique family needs.
Team player who consistently contributes and supports colleagues.
Commitment to equity and trauma‑informed practice, inclusive of diverse backgrounds and circumstances.
Experience managing a caseload with the ability to multi‑task in high‑stress environments while meeting deadlines.
Ability to manage emotionally escalated situations, maintaining professional composure and workload within safety limits.
Benefits
Participation in ODHS Employee Resource Group communities.
Cost‑of‑Living Adjustments.
Annual salary increases (up to the top of the listed range).
Competitive benefits package.
Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (possible).
Working Conditions
Work conducted in offices, participants’ homes, and other community sites.
Travel required to transport children, potentially several hours away.
Frequent physical activity: walking on uneven terrain, assisting with vehicle transport, and carrying items up to 30 lbs.
On‑call duties required.
Occasional overtime, including evenings and weekends.
Exposure to individuals who have experienced trauma and may exhibit emotional outbursts.
High‑stress decision‑making required to ensure safety of children and self; situations may be trauma‑inducing.
Background Checks and Requirements
Criminal history and background check required; adverse findings may lead to disqualification.
Federal and state background checks, including FBI CJIS fingerprint‑based check, are required for finalists.
U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status verified with I‑9 and E‑Verify within three days of hire.
A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required.
Employment Preference
Veterans’ preference information is available. Submit required documentation separately from the resume or CV.
General Information
This is a permanent, full‑time position represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). The position may also be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The Oregon Department of Human Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from historically underrepresented groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others.
#J-18808-Ljbffr