Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

Oregon Department of Human Services

Roseburg (OR)

On-site

USD 51,000 - 85,000

Full time

11 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

ODHS Employee Resource Group

Cost of Living Adjustments

Annual salary increases

Amazing benefits package

Possible Public Service Loan Forgiven

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking a Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) in Roseburg. You will assess risk, interview families, and create safety plans to safeguard Oregon’s children in collaboration with diverse communities.

This role emphasizes trauma-informed, equity-centered practices, strong documentation, and coordination with courts and service providers. On-site, Monday–Friday hours in a busy child welfare environment.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field is required.
Bachelor’s in a non-human-services field with related experience or certification is acceptable.
Associate degree with related experience or training may qualify.

Responsibilities

Respond to referrals by interviewing children, families, and contacts.
Assess home environments and determine safety and risk.
Develop service plans to meet the needs of children and families.
Coordinate medical evaluations, placements, and connect families with services.

Skills

Interviewing

Documentation

Communication

Education

Bachelors in Human Services

Associate degree + experience or training

Job description

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.

Initial Posting Date

09/02/2026

Application Deadline

09/13/2026

Agency

Department of Human Services

Salary Range

$4,954.00 - $7,592.00

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 Child Protective Services Worker position may be for you!

We are currently seeking a Child Protective Services (CPS) Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) to join our Child Welfare team based in our Roseburg 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, interviewing children, families 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.

Interested in learning more? Here are some testimonials from current ODHS Workers and an informational session regarding these positions found here: https://youtu.be/DghnA4oDx_Q

Minimum Qualifications

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 services;
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;
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.

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 building and maintaining professional relationships with clients, community partners, and colleagues.
Experience organizing and prioritizing work to meet established deadlines and manage competing responsibilities.
Experience working effectively with people from diverse backgrounds using culturally responsive practices.
Experience de-escalating tense situations and responding to conflict using appropriate conflict-resolution or behavior-management techniques.
Experience preparing clear, objective written documentation, such as case plans, court reports, narratives, or observations.
Experience communicating sensitive or difficult information with empathy, professionalism, and consideration for individual and family needs.
Experience applying trauma-informed practices when working with individuals and families who have experienced trauma.

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 upload a resume or complete the work history profile. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
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 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.

Working Conditions

Your work schedule will be Monday - Friday from 8 am - 5 pm PT on-site in Roseburg, OR; hours may fluctuate based on service needs. Remote opportunities will not be available.
Occasional compensated overtime during evening and weekend work may be required.
Your position involves regular travel, including long-distance travel and travel in hazardous weather conditions. Some travel may occur in remote locations without reliable cell service. Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required.
Occasional overnight travel may be required.
After your first six months, you will begin participating in the on-call rotation that supports child protective services.
Your work will be conducted in offices, participant’s homes, and other community sites.
Activities include traversing stairs, moving on uneven terrain, and helping children (weighing up to 30 pounds) in and out of car seats.
Your 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 who have experienced trauma and may have difficulty managing their emotions.
Be prepared for stressful situations that require quick decision-making to ensure safety for yourself and others.

Background Checks And Requirements

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