Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) – Spanish/English Bilingual required

State of Oregon; New Jersey; Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking a Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) who is bilingual in Spanish and English. The role focuses on safeguarding children and supporting families through trauma-informed assessments and culturally relevant practices.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field, with experience in human services and strong communication for court testimony and reports.

Qualifications

• Experience engaging trauma-impacted families from diverse backgrounds in person-centered assessments.
• Bilingual English/Spanish required; tests may be used to verify proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Protect children’s safety and support families using a trauma-informed approach.
• Conduct assessment and fact-finding interviews related to child safety, risk of abuse, neglect, or harm.
• Determine appropriate child placement considering family circumstances.
• Create reports and case notes; testify in court as needed.
• Interact with diverse populations in office, community, or legal settings.

Skills

Trauma-informed

Bilingual EN/ES

Community partnerships

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field

Job description

Job Title

Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) – Spanish/English Bilingual required

Agency: Department of Human Services

Salary Range: $4,954 - $7,592

Position Type: Employee

Job Description

Nos enorgullece ser un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades. Estamos trabajando de manera activa para crear una agencia equitativa junto a Equity North Star como guía y continuar nuestra visión de ser una agencia sin racismo, discriminación ni sesgo. Creemos que los equipos en los que todos pueden mostrarse de manera auténtica son fundamentales para crear una fuerza laboral próspera que pueda brindarle un mejor servicio a la comunidad. Invitamos a los miembros de grupos raciales o étnicos históricamente subrepresentados, mujeres, personas con discapacidades, veteranos, miembros de la comunidad LGBTQIA2S+ y otras personas a presentar una solicitud. 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. Biliterate requirement English and Spanish: This position requires duties to be completed in both English and Spanish. The job offer will be contingent upon passing tests (spoken and written tests) evaluating your proficiency in the biliterate requirements of the position. This position may receive a 5% differential pay based on passing the required language tests. 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 position may be for you!

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:

Safety and Support: Protect children’s safety and support families by engaging with them, resource parents, and caregivers. Using a trauma-informed and antiracist approach.

A Balancing Act: Navigate the needs of the child and the family while balancing legal requirements.

Assessment and Interviews: Conduct assessment and fact-finding interviews related to child safety, risk of abuse, neglect or harm. You will also address necessary care and needs levels of the children and families.

Decision-Making: Analyzing collected information, you will determine appropriate child placement, considering each family’s unique circumstances.

Communication: You will create reports, case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations in office, community, or legal settings.

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a field related to human services; OR A bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services AND either One (1) 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 (2) years of Human Services related experience; OR One (1) year of Human Services related experience and related training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency. A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position. Per pursuant to ORS419B.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 engaging trauma-impacted families from diverse backgrounds in person-centered assessments. Experience engaging with community partners and organizations to support families from diverse backgrounds. Experience demonstrating sound judgment and decision-making in ambiguous situations. Experience with dynamic workflow management in a high-volume environment.

Attention all candidates:

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. 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.

Working Conditions

Employee’s work schedule will be Monday - Friday from 8 am - 5 pm PST; hours may fluctuate based on service needs. Work will be conducted in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites. There may be an opportunity for some occasional remote workdays. This will need to be discussed and approved by the manager. Occasional, compensated overtime and after-hours work is required, including evening and weekend work. Employee will be on a rotating on-call schedule, including evening or weekend work. You may interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions. This role involves handling sensitive topics related to trauma, abuse, and crises, requiring a trauma-informed approach that is essential to ensure a safe environment. May encounter situations requiring quick decision-making to ensure the safety of oneself or others. Activities include traversing stairs, moving on uneven terrain, and helping children (weighing up to 50 pounds) in and out of car seats.

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. 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

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). This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative. We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon “flies with her own wings.”