Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)
State of Oregon
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
The State of Oregon's Department of Human Services in Portland is seeking a Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) to join our team. You will respond to referrals, conduct interviews, assess home safety, coordinate services, and testify in court to protect children.
This permanent, full-time role offers a meaningful career helping vulnerable families, opportunities for professional growth, and an inclusive workplace aligned with our Equity North Star.
Qualifications
- Degree must be completed, not in progress.
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field required or equivalent.
- Two years of related experience if no Human Services degree, per ORS 419B.021.
Responsibilities
- Respond to referrals and determine if abuse or neglect occurred.
- Interview parents and children to gather information.
- Observe and analyze home safety.
- Gather collateral information from schools, doctors, therapists, and law enforcement.
- Fulfill documentation requirements and enter data into databases.
- Arrange medical evaluations and substitute care placement for children.
- Present and testify in court.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)
09/22/2026
09/30/2026
Department of Human Services
$4,954 - $7,592
Employee
Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)
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.
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 based in the Portland office located on 11826 NE Glisan St. Portland.
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.
- 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.
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 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.
- AND a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.
- Experience screening and assessing clients’ needs to determine appropriate community and culturally responsive resources, as well as partnering agency programs or services.
- Experience preparing and maintaining thorough records, such as reports, narratives, and observations.
- Demonstrated understanding of working with diverse populations.
- Demonstrated experience to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. This includes experience in writing clearly and concisely using plain language appropriate for diverse audiences, conveying information with clarity, and tailoring communication style to suit different stakeholders.
- Experience organizing tasks, prioritizing responsibilities, and managing time to meet deadlines.
- Proficient in computer applications, including Microsoft Word or various database software programs.
- Your work will be conducted in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites.
- Employee's work schedule will be Monday - Friday 8AM-5PM; hours may fluctuate based on service needs. Occasional compensated overtime during evening and weekend work may be required.
- This position may be required to participate in an on-call rotation for mandatory on call for child protective services.
- A valid Oregon Drivers license is required . 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Veterans' preference information.
- How to submit your Veteran documents for preference. Please do not attach your Veterans' preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application.
- 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.
- The recruiter for this position is Sugei Hernandez. Please include the REQ# when corresponding.
- Email: Sugei.Hernandez@odhs.oregon.gov
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