Child Protective Service Worker

WV Department of Human Services; West Virginia; On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PSLF eligibility

Comprehensive health coverage

Retirement options

Generous leave

Job summary

WV Department of Human Services is seeking a Child Protective Service (CPS) Worker to lead professional social work in crisis intervention, safety assessment, and family preservation. The role emphasizes protecting children and supporting families in crisis while coordinating with law enforcement and court systems.

Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree and licensure within the WV social work framework. Travel, on-call hours, and overtime are expected as cases require.

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of child development, trauma-informed care, and applicable state and federal child welfare laws.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills, particularly in high-stress or sensitive environments.
• Ability to assess complex situations, develop strategic safety plans, and collaborate with law enforcement and legal teams.
• A commitment to integrity, cultural humility, and advancing the mission of child safety and family reunification.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough investigations into allegations of abuse or neglect to determine child safety and risk levels.
• Counsel families and children, providing resources and strategies to mitigate risk and improve household stability.
• Collaborate with physicians, teachers, law enforcement, and the court system to develop comprehensive permanency plans.
• Manage a dedicated caseload, ensuring all home visits, safety assessments, and service referrals are documented accurately.
• Represent the agency in legal proceedings, providing expert testimony and detailed reports to the court regarding child placement and parental progress.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Risk assessment

Cultural humility

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

General Description

Lead the Future of Family Advocacy! Are you ready to take your social work expertise beyond the desk and make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families? We're looking for a dedicated, resilient Child Protective Service (CPS) Worker to join our team and ensure the safety, stability, and well-being of our community’s most vulnerable members. This position performs professional social work in key areas such as crisis intervention, safety assessment, family preservation, and court advocacy.

What You Bring

• In-depth knowledge of child development, trauma-informed care, and applicable state and federal child welfare laws.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills, particularly in high-stress or sensitive environments.
• Ability to assess complex situations, develop strategic safety plans, and collaborate with law enforcement and legal teams.
• A commitment to integrity, cultural humility, and advancing the mission of child safety and family reunification.

Why Join Us?

• Be an integral part of safeguarding the future of children and strengthening families in your community.
• Work directly on the front lines to influence positive, long-term outcomes for families in crisis.
• Enjoy competitive benefits, including generous leave, comprehensive health coverage, retirement options, and eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) programs.
• Be part of a mission-driven organization committed to social justice and the protection of human rights.

Child Protective Service Workers protect children who are experiencing abuse, neglect or may be at risk of immediate danger; provide access to services that support children and families during times of hardship; and work with families to help resolve conflicts and access social services. This position is critical to the health and safety of West Virginia's children. Upon completion of an in-house training program, these positions perform complex social casework and family intervention services. As cases may involve abuse, neglect or exploitation of children, this employee must have the expertise and judgment to evaluate risk and assess levels of danger that may include coordination with law enforcement. Due to the needs of this position, travel is required and may include being on-call during non-traditional hours. Ongoing training is provided, as is access to support services for the worker. This position is eligible for overtime pay.

Applicants must possess a valid WV driver's license, and reliable transportation. Applicants also must have strong communication skills, both oral and written, and maintain detailed case records and extensive documentation. Overtime hours and frequent travel may be required. Successful completion of a background check is required for employment.

Example of Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough investigations into allegations of abuse or neglect to determine child safety and risk levels.
• Counsel families and children, providing resources and strategies to mitigate risk and improve household stability.
• Collaborate with physicians, teachers, law enforcement, and the court system to develop comprehensive permanency plans.
• Manage a dedicated caseload, ensuring all home visits, safety assessments, and service referrals are documented accurately.
• Represent the agency in legal proceedings, providing expert testimony and detailed reports to the court regarding child placement and parental progress.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: None.

Special Requirements

Valid driver's license.

Note: Applicants hired into this classification must obtain licensure as a social worker from the West Virginia Board of Social Work within a timeframe established by the appointing agency. Until licensure is obtained, they may not perform duties that require a licensed social worker under state law or Board regulation.

About the Organization

The Bureau for Social Services champions the security, permanence, and welfare of children and vulnerable adults, empowering individuals and strengthening families. Formerly the Bureau for Children and Families, the Bureau for Social Services operates under the West Virginia Department of Human Services, serving children, adolescents, and vulnerable adults facing abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. Equipped with extensive training to handle delicate situations with compassion and dignity, these workers contribute to the advancement of a vibrant and healthy West Virginia by facilitating access to crucial healthcare, essential social services and benefits, and fostering safe, supportive, and healthy environments. Through this hard work, at risk populations can begin to thrive within the community.