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

Employee Resource Groups

COLA

Salary increases

Benefits package

PSLF eligibility

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services is hiring a Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) in Baker City. This role involves connecting with families during vulnerable times to guide them toward safety, stability, and hope, with a focus on trauma-informed methods and equity.

Responsibilities include responding to referrals, interviewing families, assessing home safety, and providing testimony in court as needed. Travel and on-call duties are required.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field.
• OR a bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services with related experience or certification.
• OR an associate degree with related experience or certification.

Responsibilities

• Respond to referrals and determine if abuse or neglect occurred.
• Interview parents and children to gather information.
• Assess safety of home environments.
• Collect collateral information from school, medical and law enforcement.
• Document requirements and enter data into systems.
• Arrange medical evaluations and substitute care for children.
• Present and testify in court.

Skills

Driver's license

Written communication

Trauma-informed practices

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related

Associates degree with related experience

Job description

Position Title

Child Protective Services Worker | Social Service Specialist 1

Initial Posting Date

09/16/2026

Application Deadline

09/30/2026

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!

Every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and seen. In this role, you will connect with families during vulnerable times and help guide them toward stability, safety, and hope. Your compassion can be the difference that helps a child thrive.

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

Baker City is part of rural Eastern Oregon. Learn more about the community, housing, and resources https://www.bakercity.com/

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:

• Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated and manage your time well.
• Demonstrated ability to use trauma-informed practices that are sensitive to the child and family’s lived experience, language, race, and culture.
• Demonstrated excellent written communication skills, including the ability to write in plain language with minimal spelling and grammar issues.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively engage with families under challenging and time-sensitive circumstances.
• Experienced being a reliable resource for others and delivering high quality work in a timely manner.
• Demonstrated ability to be an active listener and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others.

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.

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.

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.

Contact Information

We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions.

• The recruiter for this position is Yvette Medford. Please include the REQ# when corresponding.
• Email: [e-mail]
• Phone (call or text): 541-709-0306