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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.

Are you fluent in English and Spanish? Our diverse communities benefit from bilingual support. While not a requirement, preference will be given to candidates who possess this valuable skill.

These positions are primarily remote. Please see please see “Working Conditions” section for more information.

This position is a job-share, which means the hours are split with another current Position. The schedule for this job-share position is Wednesday and Saturday 1 PM - Midnight PST.

Opportunity awaits!

Help create safer futures for Oregon’s children. Bring your compassion and critical-thinking skills to ODHS as a Hotline Screener (Social Service Specialist 1).

Summary of Duties

As a Hotline Screener, you will:

• Serve as the first point of contact in our work to keep children safe.

• Provide thoughtful, empathetic support to reporters and make decisions that prioritize the safety and well-being of children.

• Talk with reporters to collect detailed, relevant information about the child, the alleged abuse or neglect, and the family’s circumstances.

• Gather and assess information from reports about child safety concerns, then choose the appropriate next action. (ORCAH often receives more than 600 calls within a 24-hour period).

• Assess whether the family may benefit from services such as protective support, family support, or community programs.

• Create accurate written reports that include both the information collected and your rationale for each decision.

• Follow Oregon statutes, administrative rules, and ODHS procedures to determine if a report meets the criteria for further review.

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.

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.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience conducting interviews to gather information that informs critical analysis and decision-making.

• Experience using critical thinking to assess complex situations under pressure and make appropriate decisions.

• Experience using behavior management or conflict resolution techniques to de-escalate situations.

• Experience providing equitable service to diverse communities and people.

• Experience reading or writing reports that include conclusions and recommended actions.

• Experience applying and explaining rules, policies and procedures.

• Experience using technology and digital tools to complete tasks accurately and within required timelines.

Preference will be given to candidates that are bilingual in Spanish and English.

Working Conditions

• The schedule for this job-share position is Wednesday and Saturday 1 PM - Midnight PST.

• Working hours may fluctuate based on service needs.

• These are hybrid positions:

  • Training will last 3 months and will be conducted in the Portland office.

  • After training is completed, your work will be primarily remote.

  • You will be required to come into the office for ongoing training and meetings that will be held in office as needed.

• You will hear sensitive, sometimes distressing information from callers who may be experiencing crisis. A trauma‑informed, supportive response is essential in this role.

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.

• Your application materials are used to determine your starting salary range. Please ensure that all education and experience you would like to be considered are included in your application materials. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. You can attach multiple files in this area at once.

• 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. 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.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: 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.

Background Checks and Requirements

• If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background checks 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.

Benefits

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.

• Cost of Living Adjustments.

• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the salary range listed).

• 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, part-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

Please contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and application or Job-specific questions.

Please include the job requisition number: REQ-203877.

• Recruiter: Amanda Alvarado.

• Email: AMANDA.K.ALVARADO@odhs.oregon.gov

• Phone (call or text): 541-709-8695.