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State of Oregon

Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

State of Oregon, North Bend, Oregon, United States, 97459

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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.

Application Requirements A Cover Letter is required. If you do not submit a Cover Letter, your application will be declined.

Please make sure your application materials, resume and job history, are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range.

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.

Opportunity awaits! Imagine a role where you engage with children, families, resource parents and caregivers to achieve safety and optimal outcomes for Oregon’s children and families. Imagine yourself conducting child safety assessments through an equity and culturally relevant lens. If you’re looking to make a difference and this sounds intriguing, this Child Protective Services Worker position may be for you!

We seek to fill a position in our North Bend office! This is located on the southern Oregon Coast (not in Central Oregon).

Understanding North Bend, Oregon The city of North Bend is located along the southern Oregon coast. North Bend is home to the towering 500‑foot sand dunes of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, historic McCullough Memorial Bridge, beautiful Horsfall Beach and plenty of quaint shops, antique stores and restaurants. Adventures of all kinds await in North Bend!

Want to calculate your commute time? Check out this mileage and driving distance calculator!

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.

Responsibilities

Respond to referrals and determine whether child abuse or neglect has occurred.

Gather information through interviews with parents and children.

Observe and analyze the safety of home environments.

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.

Proactively seek interpretation and cross‑agency coordination as required, consistent with ORS 419B.021 and other applicable regulations.

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

Experience working both independently and with a team.

Experience utilizing time management, organization, and prioritization skills to meet deadlines.

Demonstrated experience writing clearly, thoroughly, and concisely with minimal spelling or grammar issues.

Experience working well with people from a wide variety of backgrounds through a culturally competent lens.

Experience using Microsoft Word and Excel.

Experience in a helping profession that has at least some social work focus or lens; examples include teaching, law enforcement, medical care, domestic violence advocacy, CASA volunteer, etc.

Working Conditions

This is an in‑person position. Your work will be conducted in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites.

This position requires working a flexible schedule as a condition of employment with a normal workday of 8 hours, from 8 AM to 5 PM; however, working hours may be adjusted within a given week to provide planned services. Occasional compensated overtime during evening and weekend work may be required.

This position will participate in an on‑call rotation for mandatory child protective services.

Frequent travel may be required; some travel may be hours away, in hazardous weather conditions.

The duties in this position include work with challenging and sometimes hostile clients, work with Law Enforcement Agencies in sometimes unsafe and unsanitary home environments.

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

Walking into stressful situations that may require quick decision‑making skills to ensure safety of those being serviced and own physical safety. This may also be trauma‑inducing.

Daily driving may be required; a valid Driver’s License from the state in which the employee resides is required.

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.

Per ORS 419B.021, any position engaged in child protective investigations and/or custody determinations must meet educational requirements. Experience alone will not meet the minimum qualifications for those positions. Degree must be completed, not in progress.

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:

Veterans’ preference information.

How to submit your Veteran documents for preference. Please do not attach your Veterans’ preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application.

Oregon National Guard. Form DA5016, DD214 or NGB22 Required. Eligible starting January 2026. 5% awarded.

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 Brent Lawrence. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number.

Email: brent.lawrence@odhs.oregon.gov

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