Child Protective Services Worker (social Service Specialist 1)

Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

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 ready to make a real impact in the lives of Oregon's children and families? Imagine being the one who steps in to ensure safety, support, and positive outcomes for those who need it most. As a Child Protective Services Worker, you'll be at the heart of this important work, conducting child safety assessments through an equity and culturally relevant lens. If you're passionate about making a difference and this sounds like the challenge you've been waiting for, don't wait!

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:

• Protect children's safety and support families by engaging with them, resource parents, and caregivers. Using a trauma-informed and antiracist approach.
• Navigate the needs of the child and the family while balancing legal requirements.
• Conduct assessment and fact-finding interviews related to child safety, risk of abuse, neglect, or harm. You will also address necessary care and needs levels of the children and families.
• Analyzing collected information, determine appropriate child placement, considering each family's unique circumstances.
• Create reports, case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations in office, community, or legal settings.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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

• Experience engaging trauma-impacted families from diverse backgrounds and in-person assessments.
• Experience engaging with community partners and organizations to support families from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience contributing to psychological safety, well-being, and belonging to a team environment.
• Experience with dynamic workflow management in a high volume environment.

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.

Working Conditions

• As part of your job with Child Welfare you may work with hostile and resistant clients in person, by phone, or by email.
• You are expected to work competently within the agency's electronic information systems. Your competencies shall minimally include: Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook and OR-Kids. You may be required to develop components in other computer applications depending on your job assignment.
• There may be prolonged periods of sitting or standing in front of a computer.
• You will be working in an open office environment with noise from telephones, printers and other staff.
• The nature of conversations you may overhear may include uncomfortable topics related to child abuse and neglect.
• Position may require some travel to do purchases with SPOTS card.
• The employee must have a valid drivers license from the state in which they reside and an acceptable driving record as determined by the Background Check

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.
• 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' preference.

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 Bonnie Nyssen. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number. Email: bonnie.nyssen@odhs.oregon.gov