Child Protective Services Worker

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

This is a limited duration position scheduled to end one year from date of hire. Limited Duration employees are eligible for benefits.

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 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. 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

• If you have federal student loan debt or are thinking of going back to school, then you might benefit from the . If you make 120 qualifying payments on your student loan while working full-time for a qualifying employer, your student loan debt may be forgiven.

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:

• Protect children's safety and support families by engaging with them, resource parents, and caregivers in diverse ways, that is trauma-informed and antiracist.

• Balance the needs of the child and the family while balancing legal requirements.

• Conduct assessment and fact-finding interviews to assess conditions and situations regarding child safety, risk of abuse, neglect, or harm, and the level of care or needs for children and families.

• Analyze collected information to determine appropriate child placemen, keeping in mind determinations are made in consideration of each family's unique circumstances.

• Create reports, case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations in office, community, or other legal settings.

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.

A complete (long version) resume or application with job duties for each role listed is the best way to show that you meet the minimum requirements or possess transferrable skills for this position. Your application or resume will also be used in determining what pay salary step you fall in with the pay equity assessment if you are the successful candidate.

Essential attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience conducting interviews, investigations, and/or formal reviews to assess compliance with standards, policies, regulations, or laws. 

• Experience formulating lengthy documents or reports that include a conclusion and recommended action.  (Example:  Home studies.)

• Knowledge or experience with crisis intervention, conflict resolution techniques, or behavior management techniques. 

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing complex technical and legal information to people with diverse education, language, and cultural backgrounds. 

• Experience utilizing time management skills to meet mandated deadlines.

• Experience utilizing a trauma-informed lens to make sound judgements and identify successful solutions to problems. 

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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.  Make sure to read the ‘