Child Protective Services Worker; Social Service Specialist

Overview

Initial Posting Date: 01/29/2026

Final date to receive applications: 02/08/2026

Agency: Department of Human Services

Salary Range: $4,833 - $7,407 monthly

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: Child Protective Services Worker (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 historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve a diverse and inclusive community.

Note:

Effective Feb. 1, 2026, the compensation plan for this position will be increased to reflect a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%. The salary listed in this posting does not reflect the COLA.

Opportunity awaits!

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 (Social Service Specialist
1) position may be for you!

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 interviewing children, parents, and contacts.
• Observe home environments, conduct child safety assessments, and make determinations of abuse or neglect, taking protective action when necessary.
• Develop service plans to meet the needs of children and families.
• Arrange medical evaluations, placements, and connect families with services and resources.
• Create reports, safety plans, assessment evaluations, case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations.

• A bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a field related to human services; OR
• A bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services AND either
• One (1) 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 (2) years of Human Services related experience; OR
• One (1) year of Human Services related experience and related training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.

Note: Per ORS 419B.021, states that any position engaged in child protective investigations and/or custody determinations must meet the educational requirements. Experience alone will not meet the minimum qualifications for those positions. Degree must be completed, not in progress.

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience with crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and behavior management.
• In-depth knowledge of trauma impact and child development.
• Experience using critical thinking skills to make quick decisions while maintaining a professional and collaborative posture.
• Experience articulating observations and communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse audiences.
• Experience mentoring and engaging with families to identify and implement strategies for successful client engagement.
• Experience connecting families to community and family supports to achieve least restrictive outcomes.

Attention all candidates! Clearly describe how you meet the essential attributes listed above in your application materials.

• Your resume (optional) and cover letter (optional) may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
• Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your…