State of Oregon
Child Protective Services Workers (Social Service Specialist 1) Multiple Opening
State of Oregon, Salem, Oregon, us, 97308
Child Protective Services Workers (Social Service Specialist 1) – Multiple Openings & Locations
Department:
Oregon Department of Human Services
Locations:
Pendleton, Hermiston
Salary Range:
$4,833 – $7,407 per month (plus 2.5% COLA effective Feb 1, 2026)
Posting Date:
January 6, 2026
Application Deadline:
January 21, 2026
Positions Available
2 positions – Child Welfare Pendleton Office
2 positions – Child Welfare Hermiston Office
1 floater – supports both offices, base at Pendleton
Job Summary As a CPS Worker in the Child Welfare Program, you will investigate child abuse and neglect referrals, assess family safety, and provide support to children and families, helping to improve safety and well‑being for Oregon’s most vulnerable children.
Responsibilities
Respond to referrals and determine whether child abuse or neglect has occurred.
Gather information through interviews with parents and children.
Observe and analyze safety of home environments.
Obtain collateral information from school personnel, medical providers, therapists, and law enforcement.
Document findings and enter data into mandatory databases.
Arrange medical evaluations and place children in substitute care when needed.
Present findings and testify in court.
Minimum Qualifications Per ORS 419B.021, a completed bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field is required. Other pathways include:
Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field:
1 year of Human Services related experience; or
Completion of coursework equivalent to Oregon Caseworker Competency certification.
Associate degree:
2 years of Human Services related experience; or
1 year of related experience plus training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
Essential Attributes
Proficient verbal and written communication skills, including plain‑language writing.
Experience preparing and maintaining thorough records (reports, narratives, observations).
Screening and assessing client needs to identify community resources.
Engaging and building partnerships with clients, community organizations, and agency staff.
Organizing tasks, prioritizing responsibilities, managing time to meet deadlines.
Computer proficiency.
Experience assessing safety of children and developing case plans.
Working Conditions
Work locations include offices, participants’ homes, and community sites.
Regular schedule Monday‑Friday, 8 am‑5 pm PT; hours may vary.
On‑call rotation required for child protective services.
Frequent travel; some trips may involve hazardous weather.
Exposure to individuals who have experienced trauma and may exhibit emotional challenges.
Situations may require rapid decision‑making and can be trauma‑inducing.
Background Checks and Requirements
No visa sponsorship; US citizenship or lawful status required. I‑9 and E‑Verify completed within three days of hire.
Criminal history and background check for finalists; adverse findings may lead to disqualification.
Finalists must clear FBI CJIS fingerprint check.
Benefits
ODHS Employee Resource Group communities.
Cost‑of‑Living Adjustments.
Annual salary increases until range top is reached.
Comprehensive benefits package.
Possible eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Equal Employment Opportunity The Oregon Department of Human Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer guided by our Equity North Star. We encourage applications from historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, people with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others.
Seniority Level Entry level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Other
Industries Government Administration
Contact Information
Recruiter: Yvette Medford (include REQ# in correspondence)
Email: yvette.c.medford@odhs.oregon.gov
Phone: 541‑709‑0306 (call or text)
Application Instructions Provide a clear description of how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes. Include detailed work and education history. Upload resume and cover letter in the resume/CV field.
Application Materials Ensure your resume and cover letter clearly detail work and education experiences. The State of Oregon does not request age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates. Use of external AI tools during assessments is prohibited.
Recruitment Notes This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.
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Oregon Department of Human Services
Locations:
Pendleton, Hermiston
Salary Range:
$4,833 – $7,407 per month (plus 2.5% COLA effective Feb 1, 2026)
Posting Date:
January 6, 2026
Application Deadline:
January 21, 2026
Positions Available
2 positions – Child Welfare Pendleton Office
2 positions – Child Welfare Hermiston Office
1 floater – supports both offices, base at Pendleton
Job Summary As a CPS Worker in the Child Welfare Program, you will investigate child abuse and neglect referrals, assess family safety, and provide support to children and families, helping to improve safety and well‑being for Oregon’s most vulnerable children.
Responsibilities
Respond to referrals and determine whether child abuse or neglect has occurred.
Gather information through interviews with parents and children.
Observe and analyze safety of home environments.
Obtain collateral information from school personnel, medical providers, therapists, and law enforcement.
Document findings and enter data into mandatory databases.
Arrange medical evaluations and place children in substitute care when needed.
Present findings and testify in court.
Minimum Qualifications Per ORS 419B.021, a completed bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field is required. Other pathways include:
Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field:
1 year of Human Services related experience; or
Completion of coursework equivalent to Oregon Caseworker Competency certification.
Associate degree:
2 years of Human Services related experience; or
1 year of related experience plus training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.
Essential Attributes
Proficient verbal and written communication skills, including plain‑language writing.
Experience preparing and maintaining thorough records (reports, narratives, observations).
Screening and assessing client needs to identify community resources.
Engaging and building partnerships with clients, community organizations, and agency staff.
Organizing tasks, prioritizing responsibilities, managing time to meet deadlines.
Computer proficiency.
Experience assessing safety of children and developing case plans.
Working Conditions
Work locations include offices, participants’ homes, and community sites.
Regular schedule Monday‑Friday, 8 am‑5 pm PT; hours may vary.
On‑call rotation required for child protective services.
Frequent travel; some trips may involve hazardous weather.
Exposure to individuals who have experienced trauma and may exhibit emotional challenges.
Situations may require rapid decision‑making and can be trauma‑inducing.
Background Checks and Requirements
No visa sponsorship; US citizenship or lawful status required. I‑9 and E‑Verify completed within three days of hire.
Criminal history and background check for finalists; adverse findings may lead to disqualification.
Finalists must clear FBI CJIS fingerprint check.
Benefits
ODHS Employee Resource Group communities.
Cost‑of‑Living Adjustments.
Annual salary increases until range top is reached.
Comprehensive benefits package.
Possible eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Equal Employment Opportunity The Oregon Department of Human Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer guided by our Equity North Star. We encourage applications from historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, people with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others.
Seniority Level Entry level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Other
Industries Government Administration
Contact Information
Recruiter: Yvette Medford (include REQ# in correspondence)
Email: yvette.c.medford@odhs.oregon.gov
Phone: 541‑709‑0306 (call or text)
Application Instructions Provide a clear description of how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes. Include detailed work and education history. Upload resume and cover letter in the resume/CV field.
Application Materials Ensure your resume and cover letter clearly detail work and education experiences. The State of Oregon does not request age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates. Use of external AI tools during assessments is prohibited.
Recruitment Notes This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.
#J-18808-Ljbffr