Child Protective Service Worker (Statewide)

Office of Shared Administration (WV); Charleston (WV); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau for Social Services, is seeking Child Protective Service Workers to protect children from abuse, neglect, or danger. After completing in-house training, workers perform complex social casework and family intervention and may travel for home visits and court appearances.

Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree, a valid WV driver's license, and be willing to obtain licensure as a social worker.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Successful completion of a background check.
• Must obtain licensure as a social worker within WV Board regulations.

Responsibilities

• Investigate reports of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
• Assess risk and ensure child safety in potentially dangerous situations.
• Develop case plans and coordinate services for children and families.
• Work with law enforcement and other agencies as needed.
• Maintain detailed case records and documentation.
• Provide ongoing support and intervention for families in crisis.
• Travel for home visits and court appearances; be available for on-call duties.

Skills

Strong communication

Record keeping

Travel readiness

On-call availability

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

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.

#DoHSJobs

• Investigate reports of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
• Assess risk and ensure child safety in potentially dangerous situations.
• Develop case plans and coordinate services for children and families.
• Work with law enforcement and other agencies as needed.
• Maintain detailed case records and documentation.
• Provide ongoing support and intervention for families in crisis.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development.
• Travel for home visits and court appearances; be available for on-call duties.

As a CPS Worker, you have the opportunity to work in various districts across the state, including:

• Berkeley/Jefferson Counties
• Boone and Lincoln Counties
• Braxton, Clay, Gilmer, and Webster Counties
• Brooke, Hancock, and Ohio Counties
• Cabell County
• Calhoun, Jackson, and Roane Counties
• Fayette and Nicholas Counties
• Grant, Mineral, Tucker, Morgan, Hampshire, Hardy, and Pendleton Counties
• Greenbrier, Pocahontas, Monroe, and Summers Counties
• Harrison County
• Kanawha County
• Lewis, Upshur, Doddridge, Pleasants, and Ritchie Counties
• Logan and Mingo Counties
• Marion County
• Marshall, Tyler, and Wetzel Counties
• Mason and Putnam Counties
• McDowell and Wyoming Counties
• Mercer County
• Monongalia County
• Raleigh County
• Randolph County
• Preston, Barbour, and Taylor Counties
• Wayne County
• Wirt and Wood Counties

You can choose to work in any of these districts based on availability and preference.

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.

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.

This is a continuous job posting, meaning we are actively gathering applications for future vacancies. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and qualified candidates will be contacted as positions become available. Please note that there may be a delay before you are contacted regarding your application. We appreciate your patience and thank you for your interest in joining our team.