Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1), Underfill opportunity

State of Oregon; John Day (OR); On-site; USD 50,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ODHS Employee Resource Group

Cost of Living Adjustments

Annual salary increases

Amazing benefits package

Possible Public Service Loan Forgivess

Job summary

The State of Oregon's Department of Human Services is seeking a Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) for the John Day, Oregon office. This on-site role offers an underfill pathway with growth into the full position and a monthly salary range of 4,954 to 7,592 USD.

You will respond to referrals, interview families, assess home safety, gather collateral information, and document findings for court review.

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• One year of direct experience in protective services or a related field; OR an associate degree.
• Degree must be completed within two calendar years from date of hire.
• Pursuant to ORS 419B.021, meets educational requirements for CPS investigations.

Responsibilities

• Respond to referrals to determine if abuse or neglect has occurred.
• Gather information through interviews with parents and children.
• Observe home environments for safety risks.
• Collect collateral information from school personnel, doctors, and law enforcement.
• Fulfill documentation and enter data into databases; arrange medical evaluations and substitute care.
• Present and testify in court.

Skills

Valid driver's license

Direct experience in protective

Interviews & information gathering

Analytical thinking under pressure

Documentation & reporting

Education

Associate degree in Human Services

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services

Equivalent education/experience

Job description

Initial Posting Date:

10/28/2026

Application Deadline:

11/11/2026

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$ 4,954.00 - 7,592.00 USD Monthly

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1), Underfill opportunity

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!

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 Child Protective Services Worker position may be for you!

We are seeking a Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1), underfill opportunity to join our team in John Day, Oregon office.

This position may be underfilled by a candidate who meets theSocial Service Specialist/Entry) minimum qualifications and is able to meet the Child Protective services (Social Service Specialist 1) minimum qualifications within two calendar years from the date of hire.

This position is based in rural eastern Oregon and works on-site daily at the John Day Child Welfare office.

• City of John Day - Learn what John Day has to offer!
• Find an ODHS office - understand where John Day is located.
• Mileage and driving distance calculator – calculate your commute.

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 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.

If you have any questions about this role or the minimum qualifications, please contact: [e-mail]

Social Service Specialist/Entry Minimum Qualifications

Salary Range: $4,519.00 - $6,276.00 USD Monthly

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.
• One year of direct experience that prepares the incumbent for providing protective services to children, such as work in a social work, child welfare, family services setting, or a related field; OR
• An associate degree in human services or a related field; OR
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

NOTE:Successful candidates must obtain an associate degree in a social services or related field within two calendar years from the date of hire.

Social Service Specialist 1 Minimum Qualifications

Salary Range: $ 4,954.00 - $7,592.00 USD Monthly

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 Services; OR

A bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services and either:

1. One year of Human Services related experience; OR
2. Completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency; OR

An associate degree and either:

1. Two years of Human Services related experience; OR
2. 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:

• Experience providing services and resources to children and families while working or volunteering in a social services-related field.
• Experience conducting assessment and fact-finding interviews related to child safety, risk of abuse, neglect or harm.
• Experience writing documents or reports that include a conclusion and recommended action (examples: case plans, court reports, investigative reports).
• Demonstrated experience to think analytically and utilize critical thinking skills in high pressure situations and defuse confrontational situations
• Experience building partnerships with community organizations, agency staff.

Working Conditions

• Your work will be conducted in offices, participant’s homes, and other community sites.
• This position requires working a flexible schedule as a condition of employment with a normal workday of 8 hours, from 8 AM to 5 PM; however, working hours may be adjusted within a given week, to provide planned services.
• 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. Travel is required, including driving to sometimes remote areas and in inclement 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.
• This work requires a valid Drivers License from the state in which the employee resides.
• You will work with local Police Department (PD) personnel in occasionally unsafe and unsanitary home environments.

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.

• Please upload a resume or complete the work history profile. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.
• 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.

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

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 Sugei Hernandez. Please include the REQ# when corresponding.
• Email: [e-mail]