Child Protective Services (Social Services Specialist 1) Bilingual Required (English & Chinese/Mandarin)

Initial Posting Date:

07/20/2026

Application Deadline:

07/27/2026

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$4,954 - $7,592

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Child Protective Services (Social Services Specialist 1) Bilingual Required (English & Chinese/Mandarin)

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.

Bilingual requirement Chinese & English

This position requires duties to be completed in both Chinese & English. The job offer will be contingent upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements of the position. This position may receive a 5% differential pay based on passing the required language test.

Opportunity awaits! 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 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, you will:

• 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

  • Make and document observations of the home environment.

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

  • Identify and develop services plan for individual clients needs.Arrange medical evaluation for the children involved in the assessment, in order to document and have record of relevant medical findings related to the CPS assessment.

• Arrange substitute care placement of children who are taken into care.

• Attend court hearings (Permanency hearing, criminal charges and Juvenile court) related to CPS assessments.

• Entering assessment information in the OR-Kids system

• Completing referral information for assessment evaluations (Forensic, Mental and Behavioral).

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

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."

To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in Chinese Mandarin and English.

• A bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a field related to human services; OR​

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• 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.

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

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience building collaborative relationships with community partners, agency staff, clients, and impacted communities. 

• Experience prioritizing work while managing competing priorities and deadlines. 

• Experience engaging with children and families under time-sensitive and challenging circumstances, gathering information and make informed decisions. 

• Experience writing reports, such as case plans, court reports and investigative reports that include conclusions and recommended action. 

• Experience defining and explaining complex rules and guidelines in a variety of settings. 

• Experience inputting and retrieving data efficiently and effectively. 

Preference will be given to candidates that are bilingual in Chinese Mandarin and English.

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 Locations: Offices, homes of participants, and community sites. 

• Hours: Regular work week with fluctuating hours; occasional overtime may be needed, including evenings and weekends. 

• Travel: Occasional travel for meetings, training, and other case-related activities. This includes required occasional overnight travel. 

• Physical Requirements: Frequent physical activity, including lifting up to 50 pounds and assisting children with car seats. 

• On-Call: You’ll be part of a rotating on-call schedule that includes evenings and weekends.  

• This 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

• 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 Tammie Moore. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-203750.

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone (call or text): 971-201-0580