Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

Initial Posting Date:

07/26/2024

Application Deadline:

/

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

4,536.00 - 6,952.00

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

Job Description:

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 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! Ready to turn your passion for safeguarding children and strengthening families into a rewarding career? Look no further! The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking compassionate individuals to join our team and help us create lasting, positive transformations in the lives of Oregon's most vulnerable children and families.

Join our Grants Pass Child Welfare team as a Child Protective Services Worker and be the bridge that connects families, understands their dynamics, and makes a lasting impact on those in need in Oregon! If you are looking to make a difference, this Child Protective Services Worker position may be for you!

We are seeking a Child Protective Services Worker to join our Grants Pass Child Welfare team.

Note: This recruitment will be open until the position is filled. The recruiter will review applications every two weeks. The next review date will be Thursday, September 26, 2024.

Summary of Duties

As a Child Protective Services Worker, you will:

• Investigate reports of safety concerns for Oregon's children and families. This includes conducting child safety assessments of alleged child abuse or neglect, evaluating whether a child has been or is currently at risk of being harmed and, if needed, determining appropriate services to ensure child safety.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

To gain insight, watch this video on Child Protective Services operations.

Minimum Qualifications

A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.

• 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 to diverse groups of people with the ability to adjust communication style to the receiving audience. This includes the ability to write significant documentation that includes an analysis and recommended action (examples: case plans, court reports, investigative reports) and have ability to complete high volume documentation.

• 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.

• Demonstrated ability in critical thinking skills, problem solving and creativity or innovation to meet a family's unique needs.

• Demonstrated ability to successfully work within a team using consistent engagement, contribution, and willingness to jump in and help.

• Demonstrated ability to be inclusive of diverse backgrounds and circumstances with a commitment to conducting work through an equity and trauma informed lens.

• Experience managing a case load and demonstrated skills of being able to multi-task in high-stress situations while meeting time sensitive deadlines.

• Demonstrated ability to work through emotionally escalated situations, effectively manage stress and a demanding workload.

Attention all candidates! A cover letter is encouraged but not required. Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history.

Working Conditions

• Employee's work may be conducted in offices, participants' homes, and other community sites. Travel is required based on business needs.

• Work involves being available to clients by phone and in the field.

• Working hours may need to be adjusted to provide planned services. Occasional paid overtime during evenings and on weekends may be required.

• You may interact with individuals who have experienced trauma and have difficulty controlling their emotions.

• This position can be unpredictable and challenging on occasion.

• This position requires frequent activity including, climbing stairs, walking on uneven terrain, assisting children into and out of car seats, this may include lifting, up to 50 pounds.

Background Checks and Requirements

• If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information.

• 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.

• Finalists must be cleared by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) through a fingerprint-based criminal records check.

• A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.

Benefits

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.

• Cost of Living Adjustments.

• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).

• Amazing benefits package.

• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Employment Preference

Veterans' preference:

• Veterans' preference information.

• How to submit your Veteran documents for preference. Please do not attach your Veterans' preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application.

General Information

• This is a permanent, full-time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

Contact Information

We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions.

• The recruiter for this position is Nadja Rue. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-162201