Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

Initial Posting Date

02/19/2026

Application Deadline

03/08/2026

Agency

Department of Human Services

Salary Range

4954.00-7592.00

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!

Join our Grants Pass Child Welfare team as a Child Protective Services Worker and be the bridge that connects families, understands their dynamics, and makes a lasting impact on those in need in Oregon! If you are looking to make a difference, this Child Protective Services Worker position may be for you!

Summary Of Duties

As a Child Protective Services Worker, you will:

• Investigate reports of safety concerns for Oregon's children and families. This includes conducting child safety assessments of alleged child abuse or neglect, evaluating whether a child has been or is currently at risk of being harmed and, if needed, determining appropriate services to ensure child safety.
• Engage with children, families, resource parents and caregivers in a multitude of ways to achieve the safety and optimal outcomes for Oregon’s children and families. All engagement will be conducted through a trauma-informed and antiracist lens.
• Conduct child safety assessments of alleged child abuse or neglect to determine if a child has been or is at risk of being harmed.
• Balance the needs of the child and the family in conjunction with balancing legal requirements.
• Conduct assessment and fact-finding interviews to assess mental, physical, environmental, and social status of the caregiver.
• Analyze interview information to determine appropriate child placement. All determinations are made in consideration of each family's unique circumstances.
• 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.
  
  

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 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:

• Experience communicating effectively with diverse audiences, adapting messaging as needed, and writing reports that analyze situations and provide recommendations.
• Experience engaging with children and families in challenging situations, gathering critical information, and making informed decisions that respect their backgrounds, language, and culture.
• Experience using problem-solving and creative thinking, finding solutions that meet the unique needs of families.
• Experience working collaboratively in teams, consistently contributing and stepping in to support colleagues.
• Experience committing to equity and trauma-informed practices, ensuring fairness and sensitivity when working with people from different backgrounds.
• Experience managing a demanding workload, handling multiple tasks under pressure, and meeting deadlines in fast-paced environments.
• Experience handling emotionally escalated situations, maintaining composure under stress, and managing high intensity work effectively.
  
  

Working Conditions

• Employee's work may be conducted in offices, participants’ homes, and other community sites. Travel is required based on business needs.
• Work involves being available to clients by phone and in the field.
• Working hours may need to be adjusted to provide planned services. Occasional paid overtime during evenings and on weekends may be required.
• You may interact with individuals who have experienced trauma and have difficulty controlling their emotions.
• This position can be unpredictable and challenging on occasion.
• This position requires frequent activity including, climbing stairs, walking on uneven terrain, assisting children into and out of car seats, this may include lifting, up to 50 pounds.
  
  

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.

• Your application materials are used to determine your starting salary range. Please ensure that all education and experience you would like considered are included in your application materials. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. You can attach multiple files in this area at once.
• 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. 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.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: 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

• 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.
• 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.
• Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint-based criminal records check.
  
  

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.
  
  

Contact Information

Please contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and application or Job-specific questions.

Please include the job requisition number: REQ-195500.

• Recruiter: Amanda Alvarado.
• Email: AMANDA.K.ALVARADO@odhs.oregon.gov
• Phone (call or text): 541-709-8695.