Social Service Specialist 1, Child Protective Services Worker or Permanency Worker

Department of Human Services; Eugene, Springfield (OR, OR); On-site; CAD 77,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking Social Service Specialist 1 positions (CPS and Permanency) in Eugene/Springfield, Lane County. You will conduct child welfare assessments, determine safety, and develop service plans with families while coordinating court-related activities.

Roles involve documenting findings, coordinating services, and supporting permanency goals such as reunification or adoption, with a trauma-informed approach and extensive interaction with diverse families.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field required, or equivalent with related experience.
• Experience or coursework aligned with Oregon Caseworker Competency is considered.
• Degree must be completed; in-progress degrees do not qualify.

Responsibilities

• Conduct child welfare assessments, interview families, review records, and observe home environments.
• Assess safety, determine abuse/neglect, document findings, take protective action when needed.
• Develop service plans coordinating medical evaluations, community resources, and placements.
• Coordinate referrals for forensic, mental health, and behavioral assessments.
• Prepare court documents, attend hearings, and participate in MDT meetings.
• Monitor safety and progress for permanency goals, including reunification or adoption.
• Develop case plans with families and partners to address needs and coordinate services.
• Facilitate parent-child visits and observe family relationships; coordinate transportation as needed.
• Maintain complete case records and prepare court reports and testimony when requested.

Skills

Independent work

Trauma-informed de-escalation

Task prioritization

Clear written and verbal communication

Diversity sensitivity

Word processing & database usage

Education

Bachelor's in Human Services or related field

Bachelor's unrelated to Human Services + 1 year related experience

Associate degree + related experience or certification

Job description

Position Details

Title: Social Service Specialist 1, Child Protective Services Worker or Permanency Worker

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

Position Type: Employee

Agency: Department of Human Services

Location: Eugene/Springfield - Lane County, OR

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! Picture yourself as the advocate for children! Your mission is to protect their futures while addressing the needs of families and adhering to legal obligations. With each home visit and report you complete; you’re making a significant impact on the lives of children in Oregon. Our Office of Child Welfare is seeking to fill multiple Social Service Specialist 1 positions in Eugene/Springfield - Lane County! In this role, you will work directly with families with whom you will be able to share and celebrate successes. Come join us in doing this important work!

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 Social Service Specialist 1 - Child Protective Services (CPS) Worker - you will:

• Conduct child welfare assessments, including interviewing children and parents, gathering collateral information, reviewing records, and observing home environments.
• Assess child safety, determine whether abuse or neglect has occurred, document findings, and take protective action when necessary.
• Develop service plans based on individual and family needs, including coordinating medical evaluations, community resources, parenting programs, and substitute care placements.
• Coordinate referrals for forensic, mental health, and behavioral assessments.
• Prepare court documentation, attend court hearings, and participate in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings related to child welfare assessments.

As a Social Service Specialist 1 - Permanency Worker - you will:

• Monitor the safety, well-being, and developmental progress of children in care through regular contact, visitation, and coordination with families, schools, and service providers.
• Develop and implement case plans with parents, children, extended family members, and community partners to address individual needs, coordinate services, and support permanency goals, including reunification and adoption.
• Facilitate and observe parent-child visits, assess family relationships, provide feedback, and coordinate transportation as needed.
• Coordinate services and referrals for children and parents, monitor progress toward case plan goals, and support families in meeting children’s educational, developmental, and treatment needs.
• Review and maintain complete case records, including family history, legal documentation, treatment reports, correspondence, referrals, payments, and required forms, in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
• Prepare court reports and case presentations, provide testimony and recommendations when requested, and participate in court hearings and citizen review board proceedings.

Interested in learning more? Here are some testimonials from current ODHS Workers and an informational session regarding these positions found here: https://youtu.be/DghnA4oDx_Q

Minimum Qualifications

A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position. 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. 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.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience working independently and collaboratively with team members to complete tasks and achieve shared goals.
• Experience using trauma-informed de-escalation techniques to respond to distress, conflict, or challenging behaviors.
• Experience organizing and prioritizing tasks to manage competing responsibilities and meet deadlines.
• Experience communicating clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing, to share information, explain procedures, or document activities.
• Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds while respecting individual needs, perspectives, and cultural differences.
• Experience using word processing software and navigating databases to enter, retrieve, or maintain information.

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.

Working Conditions

Your work schedule will be Monday - Friday from 8 am - 5 pm PT on-site in Eugene and/or Springfield, OR; hours may fluctuate based on service needs. Remote opportunities will not be available. Occasional compensated overtime during evening and weekend work may be required. Your position involves regular travel, including long-distance travel and travel in hazardous weather conditions. Some travel may occur in remote locations without reliable cell service. Occasional overnight travel may be required. Your work will be conducted in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites. Activities include traversing stairs, moving on uneven terrain, and helping children (weighing up to 40 pounds) in and out of car seats. Your role involves handling sensitive topics related to trauma, abuse, and crises, requiring a trauma-informed approach that is essential to ensure a safe environment. You may interact with individuals who have experienced trauma and may have difficulty managing their emotions. Be prepared for stressful situations that require quick decision-making to ensure safety for yourself and others.

Background Checks and Requirements

A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position. 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,visits.

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.