Initial Posting Date:
07/16/2026
Application Deadline:
08/30/2026
Agency:
Department of Human Services
Salary Range:
$4,954.00 - $7,592.00
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Child Protective Services Worker (Social Services Specialist 1) Salem – Bilingual Spanish Preferred
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!
Step into a transformative role where your passion for the well-being of children and your understanding of the intricate dynamics of a child’s needs and family circumstances is a critical part of creating a safe, positive lasting change. Imagine a world where every family thrives – Are you ready to be the catalyst for that change?
Bilingual Preferred (Not Required)– English & Spanish
You do not need to be bilingual to apply for this position. This position prefers bilingual language skills in English & Spanish to assist with a need in the communities that we serve. If you are bilingual, you will be tested for your speaking and writing bilingual language skills in English and Spanish. For those that qualify as bilingual (and have successfully passed the testing for proficiency) ODHS will pay a 5% Bilingual Language differential (base salary increase).
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:
Safety and Support: Protect children’s safety and support families by engaging with them, resource parents, and caregivers. Using a trauma-informed and antiracist approach.
A Balancing Act: Navigate the needs of the child and the family while balancing legal requirements.
Assessment and Interviews: Conduct assessment and fact-finding interviews related to child safety, risk of abuse, neglect or harm. You will also address necessary care and needs levels of the children and families.
Decision-Making: Analyzing collected information, you will determine appropriate child placement, considering each family’s unique circumstances.
Communication: You will create reports, case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations in office, community, or legal settings.
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. There are no exceptions or grace periods for finishing a degree.
Interested in learning more? Here are some testimonials from current ODHS Workers and an informational session regarding these positions found here; https://youtu.be/DghnA4oDx_Q
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 services;
OR
A bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services AND either
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.
Degree must be completed, not in progress. Experience alone will not meet the minimum qualifications for those positions. There are no exceptions or grace periods for finishing a degree.
Essential Attributes
We are looking for candidates with:
Experience engaging trauma-impacted families from diverse backgrounds in person-centered assessments.
Experience engaging with community partners and organizations to support families from diverse backgrounds.
Experience contributing to a safe learning environment that supports growth mindset, well-being, and belonging within a team.
Experience with dynamic workflow management in a high-volume environment.
Attention all candidates!
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. If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is listed as a minimum qualification for the position, please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process. 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.
Occasional travel is required for attending meetings, trainings, and other case related activities.
Employee will work a professional work week; hours of work may fluctuate based on service needs. Occasional, compensated overtime may be required, including evening and weekend work.
Employee will be on a rotating on-call schedule. The rotating on-call schedule will include evening or weekend work.
In this role, you will encounter sensitive material related to trauma, abuse, substance use, and crisis situations. Our team prioritizes a trauma-informed approach, creating a safe environment for both clients and staff.
You will interact with a diverse range of individuals, including those who have experienced trauma and may struggle with emotional regulation. This position may involve handling stressful situations that demand rapid decision-making skills.
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.
HB3187: 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.
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:
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.
