Address
Form of work
SalaryInitial Posting Date:
03/25/2024 Application Deadline:
04/02/2024 Agency:
Department of Human Services Salary Range:
4536.00-6952.00 Position Type:
Employee Position Title:
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. 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 position may be for you!
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 Starhas 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 packagesincluding health, dental, vision and much more!
- If you have federal student loan debt or are thinking of going back to school, then you might benefit from the Student Loan Forgiveness Program. If you make 120 qualifying payments on your student loan while working full-time for a qualifying employer, your student loan debt may be forgiven.
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:
- Protect children's safety and support families by engaging with them, resource parents, and caregivers in diverse ways, that is trauma-informed and antiracist.
- Balance the needs of the child and the family while balancing legal requirements.
- Conduct assessment and fact-finding interviews to assess conditions and situations regarding child safety, risk of abuse, neglect, or harm, and the level of care or needs for children and families.
- Analyze collected information to determine appropriate child placemen, keeping in mind determinations are made in consideration of each family's unique circumstances.
- Create reports, case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations in office, community, or other legal settings.
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:
- Experience utilizing time management and organization skills to complete tasks and meet deadlines.
- Dedication to teamwork and coming alongside children, families, community partners and colleagues to provide support.
- Demonstrated experience proactively communicating through different modes of communication (examples: cell phone, email, in person, Microsoft Teams).
- Experience utilizing a trauma-informed lens to make sound judgements and identify successful solutions to problems.
Please be sure to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and the essential attributes within your application materials. These two areas will be used to determine which candidates will be selected to move forward in the process. Make sure to read the ‘How to Apply’ section for any other requirements.
Working conditions
- Your work will be conducted in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites.
- Occasional travel is required for attending meetings, trainings, and other case related activities.
- This position may require occasional overnight travel.
- Employee will work a professional work week; hours of work may fluctuate based on service needs. Frequent, compensated overtime may be required, including evening and weekend work.
- Employee will be on a rotating on-call schedule. The rotating on-call schedule will include evening or weekend work. This schedule is sent out in advance so employees can plan accordingly.
- You may interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions.
- You may encounter stressful situations that may require quick decision-making skills.
Application instructions & requirements
Your work history profile 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.
- 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.
- A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required.
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, have questions or need assistance with the application process, please contact Amanda Alvarado via email at amanda.k.alvarado@odhs.oregon.govor call 541-709-8695. Please be sure to include the job requisition number.
