CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICE WORKER I-IV

State of New Hampshire; Rochester (NH); On-site; USD 23,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental Plan

Flexible Spending healthcare accounts

Retirement program

Life insurance

Job summary

State of New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services, Division for Children, Youth & Families, seeks candidates for Child Protective Service Worker I–IV in Rochester, NH. This full‑time role advances protective services casework from entry to advanced levels, with duties across investigation, assessment, and service coordination.

The position requires flexibility for non‑traditional hours, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to work with diverse families to promote child safety

Qualifications

• Education/experience pathways for CPSW I–IV as defined by NH DHHS.

Responsibilities

• Establishes and maintains relationships with children and families to assess safety and prevent further abuse/neglect.
• Conducts basic interviews and evaluates risks to determine appropriate actions.
• Collaborates with law enforcement, schools, and medical personnel for investigations and services.

Job description

Child Protective Service Worker I‑IV (Job ID: 53979)

State of New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services, Division for Children, Youth & Families. Full‑time vacancy. Rochester, NH.

Salary: USD 22.500–42.600

Employment Type: FULL‑TIME

Posting Date: 10/26/2026

Close Date: 11/24/2026

Location: US:NH:ROCHESTER

Contact: State of New Hampshire - Division of Personnel, Monday through Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM EST, 603‑271‑3261 or [e-mail]

Job Summary: Child Protective Service Worker I‑IV (Job ID: 53979)

Assessment & Family Services

Salary Ranges by Level:

• Child Protective Service Worker I – $22.50–$30.02
• Child Protective Service Worker II – $25.40–$34.14
• Child Protective Service Worker III – $28.74–$38.85
• Child Protective Service Worker IV – $31.33–$42.60

*The certification level identified by the DHHS Human Resource Office is based upon the minimum qualifications. Upon consideration of the applicant’s relevant work experience, interview, and the Supplemental Job Description, the DCYF hiring manager will determine the level a candidate will be hired at.

*See total compensation information at the bottom of announcement.

ASSESSMENT DETAILED DESCRIPTION: Performs entry‑level protective services casework in investigating and assessing reports of alleged abuse/neglect of children under RSA 169‑C for NH Division for Children, Youth and Families and provides for the safety of children and the welfare of families while promoting the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Upholds the vision and mission of the agency through utilizing the Practice Model theories, beliefs and principles in daily practice.

As the level moves from I to IV, the complexity of the casework becomes more challenging, however the scope remains the same.

FAMILY SERVICES DETAILED DESCRIPTION: Performs entry level protective services casework to coordinate, manage and administer services for children and families including, maintaining children in the home safely, strengthening families for reunification, providing permanency for children in care and working closely with various community agencies while promoting the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Upholds the vision and mission of the agency through utilizing the Practice Model theories, beliefs and principles in daily practice.

As the level moves from I to IV, the complexity of the casework becomes more challenging, however the scope remains the same.

YOUR EXPERIENCE COUNTS: Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience and/or each additional year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience:

• CPSW I Equivalent combination of 2.5 years of education and experience after completion of high school. Education and experience must be in social work, professional case management, psychology, social psychology, sociology, human services, criminal justice, behavioral science, cultural anthropology, counseling, pastoral counseling, divinity, education, or a related field.
• CPSW II Associate’s degree and 2 years of experience OR equivalent combination of 4 years of education and experience after completion of high school. Education and experience must be in social work, professional case management, psychology, social psychology, sociology, human services, criminal justice, behavioral science, cultural anthropology, counseling, pastoral counseling, divinity, education, or a related field.
• CPSW III Bachelor’s degree and 1.5 years of experience OR equivalent combination of 5.5 years of education and experience after completion of high school. Education and experience must be in social work, professional case management, psychology, social psychology, sociology, human services, criminal justice, behavioral science, cultural anthropology, counseling, pastoral counseling, divinity, education, or a related field.
• CPSW IV Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of experience OR equivalent combination of 7 years of education and experience after completion of high school. Education and experience must be in social work, professional case management, psychology, social psychology, sociology, human services, criminal justice, behavioral science, cultural anthropology, counseling, pastoral counseling, divinity, education, or a related field.

License/Certification: Valid driver’s license or access to transportation.

Other Requirements: Must be available for non‑traditional work hours to meet the needs of client families and children in their homes and other public locations.

Trainee Option: Not applicable.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience in human services or education field working with children and/or families.

AFTER‑HIRE REQUIREMENTS: Must successfully complete the CPSW Academy within 12 months of hire.

CAREER ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

In‑Band Advancement Available: No.

Broad Group Level Advancement Available: Yes.

AREAS OF ADVANCEMENT:

• Level 3: Completion of CPSW Academy.
• Level 4: Completion of CPSW Academy.
• Level 5: Completion of CPSW Academy and the formal mentoring program.

Responsibilities:

• Establishes and develops relationships with children and their families to assess and secure immediate safety of the child and prevent further abuse/neglect.
• Conducts basic interviews of the victim and perpetrator in the report within prescribed time frames according to the risk to the child and validity of the report. Evaluates the risk to the child to remain in the home and recommends course of action. Level I, basic interviews with supervisory direction. Level II, may conduct forensic interviews with supervisory direction. Level III, conducts forensic interviews with minimal supervisory direction. Level IV, conducts forensic interviews and demonstrates advanced skills in professional interviewing techniques.
• Works collaboratively with community agencies including law enforcement, school and medical personnel as it relates to the investigation, provision of services and in accordance with the current AG protocols.
• Makes reasonable efforts to maintain the child in the family by preparing a safety plan with the family to remedy the abusive/neglectful situation.
• Arranges for in‑home services to families when it is determined the abuse or neglect allegations are founded and the child can remain safely in the home with agreement by the family that they will cooperate with a case plan. Documents evidence to substantiate reports of child abuse and neglect in order to support the court petition.
• Locates suitable alternative placement to meet specific child/children’s needs and in conjunction with policy and practice guidelines and prepares the child and family for the child/children’s placement. Facilitates placement and coordinates visitations with the family and transports children and client families to necessary appointments.
• Develops a case record and completes all required documentation which includes the safety plan, court reports and all necessary Bridges documentation of case related activities.
• Works under direct and close supervisor and receives regularly scheduled weekly supervision. May serve as a mentor for newly hired staff or supervise an intern. May provide supervision to other staff at the request of the supervisor.
• Demonstrates independent decision‑making ability and, in the absence of the supervisor, may assume responsibility for administration of daily business operations. Receives regularly scheduled supervision at a minimum of every two weeks. Serves as a mentor and may supervise interns. Exercises authority over subordinate staff and provides supervision at the request of the supervisor.

Completes training requirements according to policy including an individual training plan and 30 hours of in‑service training annually after completion of Child Protective Service Worker (CPSW) Academy.

Provides outside education and information sessions with various agencies in the community in collaboration with the DCYF Speakers Bureau.

Total Compensation Information:

The State of NH total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits, including:

• HMO or POS Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits.

The actual value of State‑paid health benefits and the amount of employee health benefit contributions may vary depending on the type of plan selected and the bargaining unit with which a position is associated.

See this link for details on State‑paid health benefits: https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/benefits.aspx

Value of State's share of Employee's Retirement: 12.87% of pay.

Other Benefits:

• Dental Plan at minimal cost for employees and their families ($500–$1800 value).
• Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts.
• State defined benefit retirement plan and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan.
• Work/life balance flexible schedules, paid holidays and generous leave plan.
• $50,000 state‑paid life insurance plus additional low‑cost group life insurance.
• Incentive‑based Wellness Program (ability to earn up to $500).

EOE. TDD Access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964.