Child Protective Service Worker Senior

WV Department of Human Services; Indiana; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous leave

Comprehensive health coverage

Retirement options

PSLF eligibility

Job summary

WV Department of Human Services is seeking a Lead Advocate to manage the most complex Child Protective Services cases and mentor junior staff while serving as a primary liaison with the judicial system.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree, three years of CPS experience, and a valid driver's license; travel and occasional overtime may be required as part of the position.

Qualifications

• Advanced clinical expertise in identifying chronic neglect, severe physical abuse, and complex family dynamics.
• Proven mentorship abilities, guiding Associate and entry-level workers through difficult field situations.
• Superior analytical skills to review case data, identify trends, and develop creative solutions for families with significant barriers to success.
• Mastery of the legal system, including the ability to draft sophisticated court documents and provide expert testimony in high-profile proceedings.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex CPS casework with advanced judgment.
• Train, assign, and review the work of others as a lead worker.
• Lead Joint Investigations with law enforcement and medical specialists in cases of severe trauma or criminal intent.
• Draft and present complex permanency plans to multidisciplinary teams, advocating for the long-term stability of children.
• Act as a hearing officer or agency representative in administrative reviews and high-level court hearings when the Supervisor is not available.

Skills

Clinical expertise

Mentorship

Analytical skills

Legal testimony

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Elevate Your Impact as a Lead Advocate!

Are you an experienced caseworker ready to take on higher‑level responsibilities and serve as a pillar of expertise for your team? We’re looking for a Child Protective Service Worker Senior to handle our most complex cases and provide peer leadership within the unit. This role is designed for the seasoned professional who excels in high‑stakes clinical decision‑making, mentors junior staff, and serves as a primary liaison between the agency and the judicial system.

What You Bring

• Advanced clinical expertise in identifying chronic neglect, severe physical abuse, and complex family dynamics.
• Proven mentorship abilities, with a track record of guiding Associate and entry‑level workers through difficult field situations.
• Superior analytical skills to review case data, identify trends, and develop creative solutions for families with significant barriers to success.
• A mastery of the legal system, including the ability to draft sophisticated court documents and provide expert testimony in high‑profile proceedings.

Why Join Us?

• Take the lead on the most challenging and rewarding cases, utilizing your advanced skills to protect the children in critical need.
• Serve as a subject matter expert, influencing office‑wide best practices and helping to train the next generation of social workers.
• Enjoy competitive benefits, including generous leave, comprehensive health coverage, retirement options, and eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) programs.
• Advance your career in a mission‑driven organization that recognizes and rewards specialized experience and professional dedication.

Under general supervision, perform complex Child Protective Services casework. Work requires advanced judgment concerning multifaceted cases involving the abuse/neglect/exploitation of minors. Requires attendance of necessary training to keep up with evolving case work procedures. Demonstrate effectiveness to train, assign, and review the work of others as a lead worker. This level of child protective service work is characterized by serious and complicated casework that requires advanced judgment of possible dangerous situations to both worker and client. Personal vehicle required for travel. Overtime and on‑call during non‑regular business hours required. Must be available and have access to telephone. Performs related work as required. This position is for the Bureau of Social Services.

Applicants must possess a valid WV driver’s license, and reliable transportation. These positions may require overnight travel, travel out of state and shifts supervising youths during hotel stays. 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

• Manage a specialized caseload involving high‑risk or high‑profile cases that require advanced intervention strategies.
• Serve as a Lead Worker, providing technical assistance, coaching, and peer review of documentation for Associate and regular‑level CPS workers.
• Conduct “Joint Investigations” with law enforcement and medical specialists in cases of severe trauma or criminal intent.
• Draft and present complex permanency plans to multidisciplinary teams, advocating for the long‑term stability of children.
• Act as a hearing officer or agency representative in administrative reviews and high‑level court hearings when the Supervisor is not available.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience

Three (3) years of full‑time or equivalent part‑time experience performing social services, probation and enforcement services, or community support and welfare services for adult and child protection.

Experience Substitution

Additional education may substitute based on a year‑for‑year basis or as determined by the Office of Shared Administration Equivalency Chart.

Special Requirements

Valid driver’s license.

Internal Applicants Only

One (1) year of full‑time or equivalent part‑time experience as a Child Protective Service Worker may substitute for the required experience.

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.

County(ies) of work: Brooke, Hancock, Ohio.