Social Service Specialist 1 - Child Protective Services (CPS) and Permanency. Multiple Positions. Eugene and Springfield

Initial Posting Date:

03/19/2026

Application Deadline:

03/26/2026

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$4,833 - $7,923

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Social Service Specialist 1 - Child Protective Services (CPS) and Permanency. Multiple Positions. Eugene and Springfield

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! Picture yourself as the advocate for children! Your mission is to protect their futures while addressing the needs of families and adhering to legal obligations. With each home visit and report you complete; you’re making a significant impact on the lives of children in Oregon.

Our Office of Child Welfare is seeking to fill multiple Social Service Specialist 1 positions in Eugene/Springfield - Lane County! In this role, you will work directly with families with whom you will be able to share and celebrate successes. Come join us in doing this important work!

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, or Permanency 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.

As a Social Service Specialist 1 - Child Protective Services Worker or Permanency Worker – you will:

• Monitors the safety and well-being of the child by maintaining o