Social Service Specialist 1 - Child Protective Services Worker (Multiple Openings)

Initial Posting Date:
05/08/2023
Application Deadline:
05/18/2023
Agency:
Department of Human Services
Salary Range:
4,259.00 - 6,528.00
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Social Service Specialist 1 - Child Protective Services Worker (Multiple Openings)
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.
We want you to join our team!
Do you want the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of children in need of support? Do you want to be part of a diverse workforce that collaborates and learns from each other to improve services that support children, families and communities? Then, we want to hear from you!
The Office of Child Welfare, part of the Oregon Department of Human Services, is looking for multiple dedicated and compassionate individuals to provide services as Social Service Specialist 1/Child Protective Services workers in Portland, Oregon.
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
To be considered for an interview, you must submit all required documents and your application material must reflect that you meet the requirements.

• 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 communicating effectively in both writing and verbally to diverse groups of people. This includes the ability to adjust communication style to the receiving audience.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully with a team including consistent engagement, contribution, and willingness to jump in and help.
• Ability to engage children and families under time-sensitive and difficult circumstances, to gather information and make informed decisions that are inclusive of the child and the family's language, race, and culture.
• Skill in writing reports, such as case plans, court reports and investigative reports that include conclusions and recommended action.
• Knowledge or skill with crisis intervention or conflict resolution techniques.
• Experience utilizing data to conduct investigations and/or formal reviews to assess compliance with standards, policies, regulations, or laws.
• Demonstrated commitment to conducting work through an equity and trauma-informed lens.

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:

• Protect children's safety and support families.
• 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.
• Write professional reports that include CPS assessments and court reports.
• Collaborate with community partners on a daily basis.
• 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.

Interested in learning more? Here are some testimonials from current ODHS Child Protective Services Workers.
Working conditions
The duties in this position include work with challenging and sometimes hostile clients; work with LEA in sometimes unsafe and unsanitary home environments. This work requires a valid Oregon Drivers license. Work requires ability to prioritize work related to child safety and respond quickly to emergent situations. This position requires working a flexible schedule as a condition of employment with a normal work day of 8 hours, from 8 AM to 5 PM; however, working hours may be adjusted within a given week, to provide planned services. Occasional compensated overtime during evening and weekend work may be required.
How to apply
Your work history profile, cover letter, and resume are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and showcase your skills and experience that make you the best 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.
• If you are not a current State of Oregon employee, view this application instructional video.
• Current State of Oregon employees: Apply via your employee Workday account.
• 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 is 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 jill.w.larson@odhs.oregon.gov. Please be sure to include the job requisition number.