Social Service Specialist 1

Initial Posting Date:

06/10/2026

Application Deadline:

06/17/2026

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$5,298 - $8,121

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

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.

We are seeking a Child Protective Services (CPS) Social Service Specialist 1 to join our Child Welfare team in Eugene.

The working hours for this position will be Sunday through Wednesday, 7am until 6pm.

Join us as a CPS Worker and be the bridge that connects families, understanding their dynamics and making a lasting impact on those in need in Oregon! If you are looking to make a difference, this Child Protective Services (CPS) Worker position may be for you!

Together, we can make a lasting impact!

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 Social Service Specialist 1 - Child Protective Services (CPS) Worker - you will:

• Responds to assigned referrals of alleged child abuse/neglect in which children are alleged to be unsafe. Assessment activities as outlined in the procedure manual include the following:

• Conduct child interviews

• Conduct parent interviews

• Gather collateral interviews including review of pertinent documents.

• Make and document observations of the home environment.

• Make determination whether abuse or neglect has occurred and take children into protection when appropriate.

• Identify and develop services plan for individual client needs.

• Make determination whether abuse or neglect has occurred and take protection when appropriate.

• Arrange medical evaluation for the children involved in the assessment, in order to document and have record of relevant medical findings related to the CPS assessment.

• Locate community programs/support groups and parenting classes

• Arrange substitute care placement of children who are taken into care.

• Attend court hearings (Permanency hearing, criminal charges and Juvenile court) related to CPS assessments.

• Attend MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Team) meetings related to CPS assessments

• Completing referral information for assessment evaluations (Forensic, Mental and Behavioral).

• Completing necessary court related information including petition work sheets, court reports, affidavits, etc.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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:

• Demonstrated ability to work well both independently and with a team.
• Demonstrated ability to use trauma-informed de-escalation techniques.
• Experience utilizing time management, organization, and prioritization skills to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, thoroughly, and concisely, verbally and in writing, in a variety of settings.
• Experience working well with people from a wide variety of backgrounds through a culturally competent lens.
• Experience using computer skills for word processing and navigating different databases.
• Experience alone will not meet the Minimum Qualification for this position. Degree must be completed, not in progress. Confirm you meet this job requirement.

Attention all candidates! A cover letter is 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. If you do not provide a Cover Letter, your application may be declined.

• Please make sure your application materials, including your resume and job history. Please confirm that you have an actual degree (the actual graduation date is not required). Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
• Important: Please monitor both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment. You may be asked to submit additional information after initial application.
• The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) 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 job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PDT/PST) on the close date. Immediately after you submit your application, be sure to respond to the two questionnaires relating to public records requests and veterans' preference. These questions are necessary to complete the application process.

Working Conditions

• Work Locations: Offices, homes of participants, and community sites.
• Travel: Occasional travel for meetings, trainings, and other case related activities. This includes required occasional overnight travel.
• Hours: The working hours for this position will be Sunday through Wednesday, 7am until 6pm.
• Physical Requirements: Frequent physical activity, including lifting up to 50 pounds and assisting children with car seats.
• This role involves handling sensitive topics related to trauma, abuse, and crises, requiring a trauma-informed approach that is essential to ensure a safe environment.
• You may interact with individuals who have experienced trauma and may have difficulty managing their emotions.
• Be prepared for stressful situations that require quick decision-making to ensure safety for yourself and others.

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.
• Oregon National Guard. Form DA5016, DD214 or NGB22 Required. Eligible starting January 2026. 5% awarded.

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 brent.lawrence@odhs.oregon.gov
• If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number.