Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) - Child Protective Service (CPS) (Social Service Specialist 1)

Opportunity awaits! Do you have a commitment to serving American Indian and Alaska Native children and their families with culturally grounded care and respect? Join our team as an Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) – Child Protective Service (CPS) Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1) and play a vital role in protecting children and empowering families.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) District 2 (Multnomah County) is looking for 2 (two) permanent full-time Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) – Child Protective Service (CPS) Caseworker (Social Service Specialist 1) for the Child Protective Services Unit of its Indian Child Welfare Act (“ICWA”) Program. Our ICWA Program includes 6 dedicated CPS workers, 9 dedicated permanency workers, 2 dedicated support staff, 1 dedicated Case Aid, 1 dedicated certifier and 1 dedicated family time coordinator. This is a unique opportunity to join a team that is committed to the mission, vision, and values of ODHS Child Welfare in collaboratively serving Oregon Tribes, other federally recognized Tribes, tribal children, and families.

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 an ICWA CPS Caseworker, you will:

• Work on cases involving American Indian and Alaskan Native children and families.

• Communicate and partner with Tribal entities, community partners, and culturally relevant service providers to support children and families.

• Provide Active Efforts to prevent placement of children in substitute care and continue those efforts toward the return of children to their own homes when they have been placed out of their own home.

• Respond to reports of alleged child abuse or neglect and conduct family assessments using the Oregon Safety Model.

• Prepare and present court reports, including reviews by the Citizen Review Board (CRB) and dependency hearings, and make recommendations about custody and guardianship.

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

• 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:

• Experience supporting Tribal Sovereignty, respecting and upholding the inherent authority of Tribes to govern their own communities.

• Experience communicating in a way that respects Tribal protocols, values and communication styles.

• Experience screening & assessing allegations of abuse and neglect of children. 

• Experience preparing and maintaining narrative documentation of the activities concerning individual client cases.

• Experience communicating effectively with people over the telephone, in writing and in person.

• Demonstrated understanding and effectively engage and work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

• Experience using a variety of computer software, Microsoft Word and Outlook to produce accurate work and meet timelines.

• Experience working with people impacted by complex trauma.

Preference will be given to candidates who have experience working with Tribal populations and communities.

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

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

• Occasional travel is required for meetings, trainings, and case related activities.

• Employee’s work schedule will be Monday - Friday from 8 am - 5 pm PT; hours may fluctuate based on service needs.

• Occasional, compensated overtime may be required, including evening and weekend work.

• Address sensitive issues related to trauma, abuse, substance use, and crises.

• Engage with a diverse range of individuals, including those who have experienced trauma and may face challenges with emotional regulation.

• Activities include traversing stairs, moving on uneven terrain, and helping children (weighing up to 50 pounds) in and out of car seats. 

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.

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 Sugei Hernandez. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-197321

• Email: Sugei.Hernandez@odhs.oregon.gov

• Phone (call or text): 971-375-8675.