Child Protective Services Worker; Social Service Specialist

Overview

Initial Posting Date
02/05/2026
Final date to receive applications
02/18/2026

Agency
Department of Human Services
Salary Range
$4,954 - $7,592
Position Type
Employee
Position Title
Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist
1)

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.

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 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

• 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, and address necessary care and needs levels of the children and families.
• Decision-Making:
  Analyze collected information to determine appropriate child placement, considering each family’s unique circumstances.
• Communication:
  Create reports, case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations in office, community, or legal settings.

Interested in learning more? Here are some testimonials from current ODHS Workers.

• A bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field; 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.

Educational Requirements
Per pursuant to 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 and conflict resolution, applying trauma-informed de-escalation tactics and behavior management strategies while maintaining professionalism and fostering collaborative, peaceful resolutions.
• Experience with critical thinking and making rapid, sound decisions to navigate time-sensitive or tense situations.
• Experience fostering psychological safety, well-being, and belonging; promoting a culture of equity and inclusion that actively supports the ODHS mission to create an anti-racist workplace and ensure equitable treatment for all.
• Experience communicating complex information to diverse audiences—including families, colleagues, and community partners—both orally and in writing, with adaptive communication skills.
• Experience mentoring and engaging families to develop and implement successful strategies, while connecting them to community and family…