Child Protective services

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are actively working to build an equitable agency with the as our guide toward our vision of an agency free of racism, discrimination and bias. We believe that teams in which everyone can show up as their full authentic self are key to creating a thriving workforce that can better serve communities. We welcome members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to apply.

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 positions in our Burns location which will support both the Burns office and John Day office, as needed.

This job posting is open until further notice. We will review applications every two weeks. Please apply now as we could close this job posting at any time.

Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), A place to belong and make a difference 

• When you join the , you join a community of over 10,000 employees dedicated to serving and helping Oregonians achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice, and preserve dignity.  

• Connect with ODHS Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and find a place to belong, build community and participate in shared learning. ERGs are employee-driven committees that support each other as well as the ODHS’ overall mission and vision.   

• We are committed to building an antiracist and equitable agency. Equity is foundational to our role as a human services agency, and we are committed to integrating equity into all we do. The has four points that explain the agency's goals related to equity, inclusion, and racial justice. 

• We know that life is unpredictable and ODHS cares about keeping you well. Enjoy a work-life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, and including health, dental, vision and much more  

A cover letter is required. Attach a cover letter that demonstrates how you meet the qualifications, requirements, and essential attributes for the position. 

What you need to qualify

• 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

We are looking for candidates with:

• Social Service Experience: Experience providing services and resources to children and families in social services settings.

• Experience interviewing: Demonstrated experience interviewing and active listening in order to ask relevant insightful questions that elicit valuable information from candidates.

• Writing Skills: Proficiency in writing detailed reports, including conclusions and recommended actions, with minimal spelling or grammar issues.

• Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to work well both independently and with a team.

• Time Management: Experience utilizing time management, organization, and prioritization skills to meet deadlines.

Please be sure to clearly describe how you meet these attributes within your application materials. These attributes will be used to determine which candidates will be selected to move forward in the process. 

Your duties at a glance 

As an employee working within the , 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 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 Worker, you will:

• Respond to allegations of alleged child abuse and neglect.

• Conduct fact-finding interviews with children, parents, and other parties.

• Observe home environments.

• Make determinations about whether abuse or neglect has occurred and taking protective measures when appropriate.

• Arrange medical evaluations and substitute care placement of children.

• Attend court hearings and meetings related to child protective services assessments.

• Fulfill various documentation requirements.

Interested in learning more? Here are some from current ODHS Permanency Workers.

Working conditions

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

• Frequent travel around the county is required. Some travel may be hours away.

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

• 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 work requires a valid Oregon Driver’s license. There may be some hazard winter driving and dealing with hostile clients.  On call is required on an ongoing basis. This position will cover the Burns and John Day offices as needed.