Initial Posting Date:
03/21/2024
Application Deadline:
04/04/2024
Agency:
Department of Human Services
Salary Range:
$4,536 - $6,952
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Child 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 position may be for you!
We are seeking a Child Protective Service Worker to join our Child Welfare team in Astoria.
Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), A place to belong and make a difference!
What you need to qualify:
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:
1) One year of human services-related experience, OR
2) Completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with
Oregon caseworker competency
.
OR
An associate degree and either:
1) Two years of human services-related experience, OR
2) One year of human services-related experience and related training, coursework or certification consistent with
Oregon caseworker competency
.
- A valid driver license and acceptable driving record are necessary for this position.
Essential attributes:
We are looking for candidates with:
-
Experience using trauma-informed practices that are inclusive of the child and family’s language, race, and culture.
-
Experience interviewing children and adults to gather information, which may include having difficult conversations about sensitive topics.
-
Experience presenting complex information to clients, co-workers, law enforcement, and in court in a clear and concise manner.
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Experience tracking and prioritizing multiple unrelated projects/cases.
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. Make sure to read the ‘How to Apply’ section for any other requirements.
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 Service Worker, you will be:
-
Responding to allegations of alleged child abuse and neglect.
-
Conducting fact-finding interviews using engagement skills with children, parents, and other parties.
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Observing home environments.
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Making determinations about whether abuse or neglect has occurred and taking protective measures when appropriate.
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Gathering available information through interviews, documents and observations.
-
Using critical thinking to determine safety decisions and outcomes regarding the children you are assessing.
-
Arranging medical evaluations and substitute care placement of children.
-
Attending court hearings and meetings related to child protective services assessments.
-
Fulfilling various documentation requirements.
-
Watch this video to learn more about child protective services work
.
Working conditions:
-
Work will be conducted in an office setting and in the community. This is NOT a remote position.
-
You may interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions.
-
Position involves frequent travel, including to transport clients.
-
Position requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
-
Work occurs in the office and in the community, including in client homes.
-
Work involves a flexible schedule where hours vary from day to day and may include evenings and weekends.
-
This position involves mandatory overtime to ensure child safety and on-call (after hours) coverage for the county.
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 may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
-
A cover letter is not required for this application. However, you may attach one if you wish. This may help the manager understand better how you possess the essential attributes
-
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 duration of 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.
Helpful information: