Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) Bilingual English & Spanish Required

Job Description :

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!

Bilingual requirement English and Spanish

This position requires duties to be completed in both English and Spanish . The job offer will be contingent upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements of the position.

This position may receive a 5% differential pay based on passing the required language test.

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!

Summary of Job Duties

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.

A Child Protective Services Worker’s duties include :

Safety and Support : Protect children’s safety and support families by engaging with them, resource parents, and caregivers.

Using a trauma-informed and antiracist approach.

A Balancing Act : Navigate the needs of the child and the family while balancing legal requirements.

Assessment and Interviews : 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.

Decision-Making : Analyzing collected information, you will determine appropriate child placement, considering each family’s unique circumstances.

Communication : You will create reports, case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations in office, community, or legal settings.

What you need to qualify

Bilingual in English and Spanish (the job offer will be contingent upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements of the 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

We are looking for candidates with experience :

Adaptability : Experience shifting focus in dynamic environments with changing priorities.

Communication : Practices active listening to engage with families and understand values, needs, desires, and trauma responses under challenging and time-sensitive conditions.

Intervention and Conflict Resolution : Experience in crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and behavior management.

Critical Thinking and Decision-Making : Experience analyzing complex situations to contribute to successful outcomes by providing sound judgements and recommendations.

Equity and Cultural Competence : Experience applying trauma-informed, equitable, antiracist practices.

Please be sure to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and the essential attributes within your application materials.

These two areas will be used to determine which candidates will be selected to move forward in the process. Make sure to read the