Child Protective Service Worker Senior

WV Department of Human Services; Wayne (WV); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

WV Department of Human Services is seeking a Lead Advocate to supervise and guide advanced Child Protective Services casework. The role focuses on complex cases, mentorship of peers, and serving as a primary liaison with the judicial system.

The position requires a strong clinical background, leadership capabilities, and solid documentation skills, with travel as needed for field work and court proceedings. A valid driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university.
• Three (3) years of full‑time or equivalent experience in social services, probation/enforcement, or welfare services for child protection.
• Must obtain licensure as a social worker within the specified timeframe.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Lead workers in casework involving child abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
• Navigate complex family dynamics and high‑stakes decisions.
• Mentor junior staff and provide training within the unit.
• Attend court proceedings and maintain thorough case records and documentation.

Skills

Clinical expertise

Mentorship

Analytical skills

Legal knowledge

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

General 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.

County of work: Wayne

Example Of Duties And Responsibilities

These positions function as lead workers and perform casework involving child abuse, neglect, and exploitation. They navigate intricate family dynamics and situations that may involve danger or harm to the child. Home visits and face‑to‑face meetings with clients are required. These positions make high‑impact decisions that affect child safety and family outcomes. They participate in case‑related legal proceedings and maintain accurate and timely record‑keeping. These positions serve as a resource for specific workers within the unit, offering guidance, assistance, and training. Work requires the use of a personal vehicle for travel. These positions are subject to being on‑call during non‑business hours and may be required to work overtime. Perform related work as required.

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.