Child Protective Services (CPS) (Social Service Specialist 1)

State of Oregon; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 59,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking a Child Protective Services Worker to join the Clackamas County team. You will engage with children, families, and caregivers to assess safety and coordinate support for optimal outcomes.

This permanent, full-time role requires a bachelor’s degree in Human Services, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to work in homes and community locations; travel and on‑call shifts are part of the job.

Qualifications

• Degree completed in Human Services or related field.
• Bachelor's degree required; coursework/certification may qualify.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Safety & wellbeing: ensure child safety and family goals.
• Engagement with children, families, resource parents and caregivers.
• Assessment and interviews related to child safety and risk.
• Develop multi‑level strategies leveraging family strengths.
• Create reports, case notes, testify in court, communicate widely.

Skills

Communication

Questioning

Cultural competence

Trauma-informed care

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services

Oregon Caseworker Competency coursework

Caseworker Certification (related)

Job description

Position Title

Child Protective Services (CPS) (Social Service Specialist 1)

Initial Posting Date

10/05/2026

Application Deadline

10/12/2026

Agency

Department of Human Services

Salary Range

$4,954 - $7,592

Position Type

Employee

Position Title

Child Protective Services (CPS) (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. The mission of Oregon's Child Welfare Program is to ensure every child and family is empowered to live a safe, stable and healthy life. We are part of a larger statewide social system that works to support children, families and communities. We partner with Tribal nations to implement the Oregon Indian Child Welfare Act and honor our government-to-government relationship. Child Welfare focuses on keeping families together whenever it is safe to do so. 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 position may be for you! Join our Clackamas Child Welfare team as a Child Protective Services Worker and be the bridge that connects families, understands their dynamics, and makes a lasting impact on those in need in Oregon! If you are looking to make a difference, this Child Protective Services Worker position may be for you! Together, we can create lasting change!

Summary Of Duties

As a Child Protective Services Worker, you will:

• Safety & Wellbeing: You play a crucial part in helping families achieve their goals while ensuring the safety and well-being of children.
• Engagement: You 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. You will also address necessary care and needs levels of the children and families.
• Strategies: You develop and implement multi-level strategies that leverage family strengths and address areas for improvement.
• Decision-Making: Analyzing collected information, you will determine child safety, 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.

Minimum Qualifications

A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position. 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. A bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a field related to human services; OR

• One year of Human Services related experience; OR
• Completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency; OR

Caseworker Competency; OR

• 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

• Experience explaining complex rules and guidelines in simple clear language.
• Experience asking questions to collect key details, assessing needs, and providing appropriate support.
• Experience working with people from different backgrounds, partnering with community groups and organizations to provide resources or services.
• Experience with quickly assesses urgency, prioritizes accurately, and ensures immediate needs are addressed while maintaining overall workflow.

Working Conditions

• Work will take place in offices, participants’ homes, and various community locations.
• Frequent travel is required for case‑related activities, which may include transporting children and/or families.
• Rare overnight travel may be required.
• The work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm PT, with possible fluctuations based on service needs.
• When child safety needs arise, compensated overtime, including evening and weekend hours will be required.
• The employee will participate in a rotating on‑call schedule that includes evening and weekend work.
• You may interact with individuals experiencing trauma or emotional distress, and there may be times when individuals have difficulty managing their emotional responses.
• You may encounter situations requiring quick decision‑making to ensure your safety or the safety of others.
• Activities may include traversing stairs, moving across uneven terrain, and assisting children (up to 50 pounds) in and out of car seats.
• Work and travel may occur in hazardous weather conditions such as snow, ice, or elevated heat.

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

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.