Child Protective Services Worker | Social Service Specialist 1

oregon; Hermiston (OR); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ERGs and learning communities

COLA adjustments

Annual salary increases

Comprehensive benefits package

PSLF eligibility

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services in Hermiston is seeking a Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) to join our team. This role focuses on safeguarding children, assessing family safety, and coordinating services to support vulnerable families.

You will respond to referrals, gather information, document findings, and participate in court proceedings while working within the Child Welfare Program to transform outcomes for Oregon’s children.

Qualifications

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.
• A bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field is required.
• OR a bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services with either one year of Human Services related experience or completion of coursework/certification.

Responsibilities

• Respond to referrals and determine whether child abuse or neglect has occurred.
• Gather information through interviews with parents and children.
• Observe and analyze the safety of home environments.
• Gather collateral information from school personnel, doctors, therapists, and law enforcement officers.
• Fulfill documentation requirements and enter information into databases.
• Arrange medical evaluations and substitute care placement for children.
• Present and testify in court.

Skills

Driver's license

Verbal and written communication

Time management

Multi-tasking

Computer proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field

Bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services with experience or certification

Associate degree with related experience or training

Job description

Initial Posting Date: 09/24/2026

Application Deadline: 10/08/2026

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!

Step into a transformative role where your passion for the well-being of children and your ability to connect with families come together to create lasting change. Become a catalyst for positive impact in the lives of Oregon’s children and their loved ones. Are you ready to unlock the potential within every family—and make a real difference?

We are currently seeking a Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) to join our team in our Hermiston office.

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:

• Respond to referrals and determine whether child abuse or neglect has occurred.
• Gather information through interviews with parents and children.
• Observe and analyze the safety of home environments.
• Gather collateral information from school personnel, doctors, therapists, and law enforcement officers.
• Fulfill documentation requirements and enter info into databases.
• Arrange medical evaluations and substitute care placement for children.
• Present and testify in court.

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

Minimum Qualifications

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

• Prior experience assessing safety of children, assessing protective capacities of parents/care givers, and developing case plans.
• Experience engaging and building partnerships with clients (parents & children), community organizations, agency staff, and affected communities.
• Demonstrated proficient verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write in plain language and communicate clearly.
• Experience organizing tasks, prioritizing responsibilities, and managing time to meet deadlines.
• Experience muti-tasking in a fast-paced work environment.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency.

Working Conditions

• Your work will be conducted in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites.
• Employee’s work schedule will be Monday - Friday from 8 am - 5 pm PT; hours may fluctuate based on service needs.Occasional compensated overtime during evening and weekend work may be required.
• This position will be required to participate in an on-call rotation for mandatory on call for child protective services.
• Frequent travel is required. Some travel may be hours away. Some travel may be in hazardous weather conditions.
• 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.

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.

• Please make sure your application materials, resume and job history, are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
• 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.
• 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.

Background Checks and Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

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).
• The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.
• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.