Child Protective Services Worker (Social Services Specialist 1) Bilingual Spanish/English Preferred - Dallas

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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! Become a catalyst for positive impact in the lives of Oregon’s children and their families. Step into a transformative role where your passion for the well-being of children and your ability to connect with families come together to create lasting change.

Every day, Child Protective Services workers step into moments that matter most. In this role you will ensure the safety and well-being of Oregon's children, navigating difficult situations with dignity, respect, and support. If you’re seeking meaningful work that blends critical thinking, collaboration, and human connection, this work may be exactly what you’re looking for.

We are currently seeking a Child Protective Services Worker (Social Service Specialist 1) to join our team in our Dallas office.

Bilingual English/Spanish Preferred

This recruitment has a bilingual in English/Spanish Preference but not required.  You need not be bilingual to qualify for this position.

If chosen for the bilingual preference, you would be required to pass test(s) evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual preference for this position. Upon passing the test(s), you will receive 5% bilingual differential pay. 

Summary of Duties

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 (CPS) Worker, you will:

• Gather information through interviews and home observations to evaluate safety and risk in child abuse or neglect cases, taking protective action when necessary.

• Create safety and service plans that reflect each family's needs and connect them with medical, mental health, parenting, and community resources.

• Prepare accurate case documentation, including reports, assessments, safety plans, and notes.

• Engage in child safety meetings and collaborate effectively with families, professionals, and community partners.

• Testify in court hearings and initiate court action when needed.

Interested in learning more? Here are some testimonials from current ODHS Workers.

Minimum Qualifications

Per pursuant to ORS 419B.021, states that any position engaged in child protective investigations and/or custody determinations must meet the educational requirements. Experience alone will not meet the minimum qualifications for those positions. Degree must be completed, not in progress. 

• 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

  • One (1) 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 (2) years of Human Services related experience; OR

  • One (1) year of Human Services related experience and related training, coursework, or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.

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

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience working independently and in a team to complete tasks and projects.

• Experience organizing work, managing time, and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines.

• Experience writing clear, complete, and concise documents with minimal errors.

• Experience using Microsoft Word and Excel to create, edit, and maintain documents or spreadsheets.

• Experience working with people from varied backgrounds using culturally responsive practices.

• Experience engaging trauma-impacted families from diverse backgrounds in person-centered assessments. 

Attention all candidates! A cover letter 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.

Please make sure your application materials, resume and job history are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.

The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification.

The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

Working Conditions

• Your work will be conducted in offices, participant's homes, and other community sites. 

• Employee’s work schedule will be Monday - Friday from 8 am - 5 pm PT; hours may fluctuate based on service needs. Occasional compensated overtime during evening and weekend work may be required.   

• This position requires you to participate in a mandatory on-call rotation assignment. This assignment is necessary to respond to off-hour emergent business needs that require child protective services. Your off-work hours may be impacted. 

• Frequent travel is required. Some travel may be hours away. Some travel may be in hazardous weather conditions. 

• You may interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions. This may include people battling addiction and who may still be under the influence while working with them. 

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

Background Checks and Requirements

• 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.

• 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.

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

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’ and Oregon National Guard preference:

• Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.

General Information

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

• The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.

• 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 Greg Azure. Please include the REQ# when corresponding.  

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone (call or text): 503-508-6443