Initial Posting Date: 07/29/2024 Application Deadline: / Agency: Department of Human Services Salary Range: 4,536.00 - 6,952.00 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) Job Description: We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are actively working to build an equitable agency with the Equity North Star 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. 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 Medford 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! We are seeking a Child Protective Services Worker to join our Medford Child Welfare team. Note: This recruitment will be open until the position is filled. The recruiter will review applications every two weeks. The next review date will be Thursday, September 26, 2024. Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), A place to belong and make a difference! * When you join the ODHS, 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 Equity North Star 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 competitive benefits packages including health, dental, vision and much more! 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: * Knowledge or experience with crisis intervention, conflict resolution techniques, or behavior management techniques. * Experience or knowledge of conducting investigations and/or formal reviews to assess compliance with standards, policies, regulations, or laws. * Experience using plain language to define and explain complex rules and guidelines. * Experience collecting and writing professional documents or reports that include a conclusion and recommended action. * Experience building collaborative relationships with community partners and/or organizations. * Demonstrated ability to effectively engage with families under challenging and time-sensitive circumstances. * Experience working with diverse communities. * A demonstrated commitment to inclusion, equity, and antiracism. 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 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 Worker, you will: * Investigate reports of safety concerns for Oregon's children and families. This includes conducting child safety assessments of alleged child abuse or neglect, evaluating whether a child has been or is currently at risk of being harmed and, if needed, determining appropriate services to ensure child safety. * Engage with children, families, resource parents and caregivers in a multitude of ways to achieve the safety and optimal outcomes for Oregon's children and families. All engagement will be conducted through a trauma-informed and antiracist lens. * Conduct child safety assessments of alleged child abuse or neglect to determine if a child has been or is at risk of being harmed. * Balance the needs of the child and the family in conjunction with balancing legal requirements. * Conduct assessment and fact-finding interviews to assess mental, physical, environmental, and social status of the caregiver. * Analyze interview information to determine appropriate child placement. All determinations are made in consideration of each family's unique circumstances. * 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. To gain insight, watch this video on  Child Protective Services operations. Working conditions * Employee's work may be conducted in offices, participants' homes, and other community sites. Travel is required based on business needs. * Work involves being available to clients by phone and in the field. * Working hours may need to be adjusted to provide planned services. Occasional paid overtime during evenings, on weekends, and holidays may be required. * You may interact with individuals who have experienced trauma and have difficulty controlling their emotions. * This position can be unpredictable and challenging on occasion. * This position requires frequent activity including, climbing stairs, walking on uneven terrain, assisting children into and out of car seats, this may include lifting, up to 50 pounds. Application instructions & requirements Your work history profile, cover letter, and resume are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and demonstrate your skills, lived and/or work experience that shows you are an excellent candidate for the position. * A cover letter is encouraged but not required. If you decide to attach a cover letter, please demonstrate in the cover letter how you meet the qualifications, requirements, and essential attributes for the position. * Please upload a resume or complete the work history profile. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. * Current State of Oregon employees: Apply via your employee Workday account. * If you are not a current State of Oregon employee, view this application instructional video. * After you submit your application, you will have additional tasks to complete in Workday. Please continue to check your Workday account throughout the recruitment process. Additional requirements * Finalists for this position will be subject to a computerized criminal history and abuse check. Adverse background information will be reviewed and could result in withdrawal of a conditional job offer or termination of employment. * 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. * A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record are required for this position. Helpful information * This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). * This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies. * Have questions about Workday, and want some tips on understanding the state application process? Check out our Oregon job opportunities page. * If you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have questions or need assistance with the application process, please contact Nadja Rue via email. Please be sure to include the job requisition number.