Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

State of Oregon; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ODHS Employee Resource Groups

Annual salary increases

Excellent benefits package

Job summary

Oregon Department of Human Services, Bend and Redmond offices, seeks a Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1). The role focuses on ensuring child safety and well-being through information gathering, safety planning, and collaboration with families and professionals.

Required are a valid driver’s license and a completed degree in human services or related fields, with multiple qualification paths.

Qualifications

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record is required.
• Degree must be completed; not in progress.
• Multiple education/experience combinations allowed per minimum qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate safety and risk in child abuse/neglect cases with interviews and home observations.
• Create safety and service plans connecting families with medical, mental health, and community resources.
• Prepare accurate case documentation including reports, assessments, safety plans, and notes.
• Engage in child safety meetings and collaborate with families, professionals, and community partners.
• Testify in court hearings and initiate court action when needed.

Skills

Independent work

Teamwork

Time management

Written communication

Culturally responsive practices

Education

Bachelors in Human Services

Bachelors in another field + related cert

Associate degree + related experience

Oregon Caseworker Competency coursework/certification

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

Initial Posting Date: 10/20/2026

Application Deadline: /

Agency: Department of Human Services

Salary Range: 4954.00-7592.00

Position Type: Employee

Job Description

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.

This recruitment will stay open until all positions are filled. We’ll begin reviewing applications on November 4, 2026, and continue every two weeks.

Every day, Child Protective Services workers step into moments that matter most. In this role you will ensure the safety and well-being of Oregon's children, navigating difficult situations with dignity, respect, and support. If you’re seeking meaningful work that blends critical thinking, collaboration, and human connection, this work may be exactly what you’re looking for.

We are hiring multiple Child Protective Services Workers in the Bend and Redmond offices.

Summary Of Duties

• Gather information through interviews and home observations to evaluate safety and risk in child abuse or neglect cases, taking protective action when necessary.
• Create safety and service plans that reflect each family's needs and connect them with medical, mental health, parenting, and community resources.
• Prepare accurate case documentation, including reports, assessments, safety plans, and notes.
• Engage in child safety meetings and collaborate effectively with families, professionals, and community partners.
• Testify in court hearings and initiate court action when needed.

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 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.

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

• Experience working independently and in a team to complete tasks and projects.
• Experience organizing work, managing time, and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines.
• Experience writing clear, complete, and concise documents with minimal errors.
• Experience using Microsoft Word and Excel to create, edit, and maintain documents or spreadsheets.
• Experience working with people from varied backgrounds using culturally responsive practices.

Working Conditions

• Work will take place in offices, participants' homes, and various community sites.
• Frequent travel is required for transporting children or families and conducting case-related activities.
• The work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm PT, with possible fluctuations based on service needs.
• There may be occasional requirements for compensated overtime, including evenings and weekends.
• The employee may be on a rotating on-call schedule, including evening and weekend work.
• 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.
• Activities include traversing stairs, moving on uneven terrain, and assisting children (up to 50 pounds) in and out of car seats.

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

• These are permanent, full-time positions and are 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-205791.

• Recruiter: Amanda Alvarado.
• Email: [e-mail]
• Phone (call or text): 541-709-8695.