Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1)

Initial Posting Date:

03/21/2024

Application Deadline:

04/07/2024

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

4536.00-6952.00

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 Child Protective Services Worker position may be for you!

Do you have bilingual language skills? Bilingual differential pay is provided to positions that require to use a language other than English to fulfill their job duties within their position. This position does not require bilingual language skills but there is a need in the communities that we serve, and preference will be given.

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 will you be doing?

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.

• 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.

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 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.

• Experience conducting work through a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens in both thought and action.

• Experience writing lengthy documents or reports through a factual and unbiased lens.

• Communication skills and an understanding of cultural competence in both English/Spanish.

• Demonstrated ability to meet someone where they are at including experience intentionally listening and to understand their values, needs, desires, and even their trauma-responses.

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 the office and in the community during the employee's trial service period. After that, some remote work may be approved (about 2 days/week).

• Frequent travel around the district is required. Rare overnight travel may be required.

• You will participate in a rotating on-call schedule. You will be assigned on-call dates once per quarter. On-call schedules are sent out ahead of time to allow for ample planning time.

• Hours of work may fluctuate based on service needs. Occasional compensated overtime may be required, including evening and weekend work.

• You may interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions.

• You may walk into stressful situations that require quick decision-making skills to ensure safety of those being serviced and own physical safety. This may also be trauma-inducing.

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

• This position may receive a 5% differential pay based on passing the required language test.

• 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.gov or call 541-709-8695. Please be sure to include the job requisition number.