What are the responsibilities and job description for the Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) position at Department of Human Services?
Initial Posting Date:
03/20/2026
Application Deadline:
04/05/2026
Agency:
Department of Human Services
Salary Range:
$4,954 - $7,592
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Child 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 a Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) to join our team in our La Grande office. La Grande is in rural eastern Oregon. Learn more:
https://www.cityoflagrande.org/
Want to learn more about this role, attend our Info-Session!
Thursday | March 26,2026 | 12PM Pacific Time
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/24086403491878?p=n4HkfWfWiBMzFsJfed
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.
Interested in learning more? Here are some
testimonials
from current ODHS Workers.
Minimum Qualifications
Per 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:
- Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated and manage your time well.
- Demonstrated knowledge about trauma-informed care.
- Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to write in plain language with minimal spelling and grammar issues.
- Experience giving verbal presentations that were well-received and understandable to the audience.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize self-care in order to maintain good mental health.
- Demonstrated ability to come up with innovative solutions to problems.
- Demonstrated ability to be an active listener and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others.
Working Conditions
- 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. This may also be trauma inducing.
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 make sure your application materials, resume and job history, are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
- 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.
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.
Benefits
- ODHS Employee Resource Groupcommunities that promote shared learning.
- Cost of Living Adjustments.
- Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
- Amazingbenefits package.
- Possible eligibility for thePublic 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 visitVeterans 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-PERSmonthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible,the salary range will increaseby 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 Yvette Medford. Please include the REQ# when corresponding.
- Email:yvette.c.medford@odhs.oregon.gov
- Phone (call or text): 541-709-0306
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