Child Protective Services Workers; Social Service Specialist & locations

Initial Posting Date: 01/06/2026

Final date to receive applications: 01/21/2026

Agency: Department of Human Services

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

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: Child Protective Services Workers (Social Service Specialist
1) Multiple Openings & locations!

This announcement will remain open until filled. We reserve the right to close this position should a satisfactory number of qualified candidates apply. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application materials without delay in applying! The initial application screening process will be every 2 weeks.

Note: This position will receive a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), which is not reflected in the salary listed in this posting. The increase will be effective February 1, 2026, and will be reflected in paychecks beginning March 1, 2026.

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!

Step into a transformative role where your passion for the well‑being of children and your ability to connect with families come together to create lasting change. Become a catalyst for positive impact in the lives of Oregon’s children and their loved ones. Are you ready to unlock the potential within every family—and make a real difference?

We are currently seeking to fill multiple openings for Child Protective Services Workers (Social Service Specialist
1) and join our teams in the Pendleton and Hermiston offices.

• 2 positions will be primarily located at the Child Welfare Pendleton Office.

• 2 positions will be primarily located at the Child Welfare Hermiston Office.

• 1 position designated as a floater to support both the Pendleton and Hermiston offices with the Pendleton office as the base location.

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.

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

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.

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.
  And
• 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.
• 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,
  Or

We are looking for candidates with:

• Demonstrated proficient verbal and written communication…