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

State of Oregon

Salem (OR)

On-site

USD 55,000 - 85,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

ODHS Employee Resource Group

Cost of Living Adjustments

Annual salary increases

Amazing benefits package

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking a Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) for the John Day, Oregon office. This underfill opportunity offers meaningful work protecting vulnerable children and guiding families toward safety and well-being.

As part of the Child Welfare Program, you will perform safety assessments, interviews, and documentation, with on-site duties and potential court appearances.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field required or equivalent experience.
Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
Experience in child welfare, social services, or related field.

Responsibilities

Respond to referrals and determine whether abuse or neglect has occurred.
Interview parents and children to gather information.
Assess safety of home environments and risk factors.
Gather collateral information from schools, doctors, police, and other agencies.
Prepare and file necessary documentation; may testify in court.

Skills

Driver's license

Interviewing

Casework

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field

Associate degree in Human Services or related field

Job description

Position Title

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

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

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 the Social 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.

Contact: Sugei.Hernandez@odhs.oregon.gov

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:
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.

Competency.

Essential Attributes

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!

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