Initial Posting Date: 12/18/2024 Application Deadline: 01/02/2025 Agency: Department of Human Services Salary Range: 4,536.00 - 6,952.00 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Child Protective Services (Social Service Specialist 1) Job Description: The 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. Opportunity awaits! Ready to turn your passion for safeguarding children and strengthening families into a rewarding career? Look no further! The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking compassionate individuals to join our team and help us create lasting, positive transformations in the lives of Oregon's most vulnerable children and families. Join our Gresham Child Welfare team as a Child Protective Services Worker and be the bridge that connects families, understands their dynamics, and makes a lasting impact on those in need in Oregon! If you are looking to make a difference, this Child Protective Services Worker position may be for you! 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. As a Child Protective Services (CPS) Worker, you will: * 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. 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 We are looking for candidates with: * Experience screening and assessing clients for appropriate community referral or eligibility for programs related to human services. * Experience preparing and maintaining narrative documentation of the activities concerning individual client cases. * Understanding of and demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations. * Experience communicating effectively with people over the telephone, in writing and in person. * Computer proficiency and attention to detail and timelines. * Experience with working both independently and as part of the team. * Experience working with children and families through a trauma-informed lens. Attention all candidates! Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history. Note: "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." Working Conditions * One position available entail working from Wednesday to Saturday (9:00 am - 8:00 pm), while other positions available may have varying schedules. You can discuss scheduling options with the hiring manager. Working hours may need to be adjusted to provide planned services. Occasional paid overtime during evenings and on weekends may be required. * Work involves being available to clients by phone and in the field. * Employee's work may be conducted in offices, participants' homes, and other community sites. Travel is required. * You may meet individuals who have experienced trauma and have difficulty controlling their emotions. * This position can be unpredictable and challenging on occasion. 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. 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. * Note: this position will receive a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increase of 6.55% which is not reflected in the salary listed in this posting. The effective date of the increase is January 1, 2025, for February 1, 2025 paychecks. 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. General Information * This is a Choose an item., Choose an item. 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 Amanda Alvarado. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-158629. * Email: AMANDA.K.ALVARADO@odhs.oregon.gov * Phone (call or text): 541-709-8695