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 Benefits

Annual salary increases

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

Oregon Department of Human Services in Milton Freewater seeks a Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) to protect children and support families across the state. The role involves referrals, interviews, and collaboration with school and law enforcement partners. Travel within the first year for training is expected.

The position offers a competitive salary with full benefits through ODHS and advancement opportunities in a unionized, mission-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; field must relate to human services.
• Experience in child protective investigations not a substitute for degree.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record required.

Responsibilities

• Respond to referrals and determine abuse/neglect.
• Interview parents and children; assess home safety.
• Gather collateral information from schools, doctors, and law enforcement.
• Enter information into databases and complete required documentation.
• Arrange medical evaluations and substitute care; testify in court.

Skills

Child safety evaluation

Client engagement

Time management

Documentation

Court testimony

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Driver’s license

Job description

Position TitleChild Protective Services Worker | Social Service Specialist 1

Initial Posting Date11/03/2026

Application Deadline11/17/2026

AgencyDepartment of Human Services

Salary Range$4,954 - $7,592

Position TypeEmployee

Position TitleChild 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 to fill a Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) to join our team in the Milton Freewater office.

• Frequent travel to Pendleton will be required during the first year for training and support.
• Milton Freewater is in northeastern Oregon, just 8 miles south of Walla Walla, Washington.
• Learn more about this community, https://www.mfcity.com/community/page/about-us

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.

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:

• Previous experience evaluating child safety, assessing parents’ or caregivers’ ability to protect their children, and developing concurrent and long-term plans for child well‑being.
• Experience engaging and building partnerships with clients (parents & children), community organizations, agency staff, and affected communities.
• Experience organizing tasks, prioritizing responsibilities, and managing time to meet deadlines.
• Experience at designing and managing effective organizational structures and workflows.
• Demonstrates strong multitasking skills and consistently performs well in high-velocity settings.
• Experience preparing and maintaining thorough records, such as reports, narratives, and observations.

Working Conditions

• Frequent travel to Pendleton will be required during the first year for training and support.
• 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.

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 checks 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.

Contact Information

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

Come for a job. | Stay for a career. | Make a difference for a lifetime!