Child Protective Service Worker Senior

State-of-West-Virgini; West Virginia; On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Bureau of Social Services in West Virginia seeks a Lead Advocate CPS Worker Senior to take on the most complex cases, mentor junior staff, and serve as the agency’s expert liaison with the judicial system.

Under general supervision, you will handle complex child protective services casework, exercise advanced judgment in high-risk situations, and train others. A valid WV driver’s license and willingness to travel are required.

Qualifications

• Advanced clinical expertise in identifying chronic neglect, severe physical abuse, and complex family dynamics.
• Proven mentorship abilities, with a track record of guiding junior 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 drafting sophisticated court documents and providing expert testimony in high-profile proceedings.

Responsibilities

• Manage a specialized caseload involving high-risk or high-profile cases.
• Serve as a Lead Worker, providing technical assistance, coaching, and peer review of documentation.
• 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 long-term stability.
• Act as a hearing officer or agency representative in administrative reviews and high-level court hearings when needed.

Skills

Advanced clinical expertise

Mentorship abilities

Analytical skills

Legal system mastery

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. 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.

Posting Number: BSS27LM004

County(ies) of work: Mingo

Position Number(s): 0511P03585

• 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

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.

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.