Child Protective Services (Social Service Specialist 1)

Initial Posting Date:

08/27/2026

Application Deadline:

09/03/2026

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$4,954 - $7,592

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Child Protective Services (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! Are you passionate about engaging with families and communities? Are you committed to ensuring the well-being of others and offering them support? Would you enjoy working with a team that is dedicated to serving children, families, and communities? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

Summary of Duties

As a Child Protective Services, you will:

Respond to assigned referrals regarding alleged child abuse or neglect when a field assessment is necessary.  The CPS worker determines whether or not abuse or neglect has occurred, identifies child safety threats and develops protective actions and ongoing safety plans when children would be unsafe without intervention of the agency.

• CPS Assessment Workers respond to assigned referrals of alleged child abuse/neglect in which children are alleged to be unsafe.  Assessment activities as outlined in the procedure manual include the following:

  • Conduct child interviews

  • Conduct parent interviews

  • Gather collateral interviews including review of pertinent documents

  • Observation of the home environment

• Make determination whether abuse or neglect has occurred and take protection when appropriate.

  • Additional assessment-related activities that include but are not limited to:

  • Arrange medical evaluation of children

  • Arrange substitute care placement of children

  • Attend court hearings related to CPS assessments

• Conduct documentation activities including but not limited to:

  • Entering assessment information in the FACIS system

  • Completing referral information for assessment evaluations

  • Completing necessary court related information including petition work sheets, court reports, affidavits, etc.

  • Completing Protective Action documentation

Minimum Qualifications

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

We are looking for candidates with:

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 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.

Essential Attributes

• Experience screening & assessing clients appropriate community referral or eligibility for programs related to human services.

• Experience preparing and maintaining narrative documentation of the activities concerning individual client cases.

• Experience working with diverse populations and ability to adapt communication and service approaches to meet the varied needs of individuals, families, and communities.

• Experience communicating effectively with people over the telephone, in writing and in person.

• Experience using computer systems and software to complete work accurately and efficiently, while managing competing priorities, maintaining attention to detail, and meeting established deadlines.

Attention all candidates! A COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED.

• 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

• Work will be conducted in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites.

• Occasional travel is required for meetings, trainings, and case related activities.

• Employees’ work schedule will be Monday - Friday from 8 am - 5 pm PT; hours may fluctuate based on service needs.

• Occasional, compensated overtime may be required, including evening and weekend work.

• You will interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions.

• You may encounter stressful situations that require quick decision-making to ensure safety of yourself and others.

• Activities include traversing stairs, moving on uneven terrain, and helping children (weighing up to 50 pounds) in and out of car seats. 

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.

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

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

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 Adrian Ortiz. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-205776.

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone (call or text): 541-408-6557