Child Welfare Consultant

WV Department of Human Services; West Virginia; On-site; USD 52,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

The West Virginia Department of Human Services seeks a Child Welfare Consultant for the ClearPath Unit to provide consultation, review case documentation, and make closure decisions in child protective services cases. Applicants must obtain licensure as a Social Worker within a timeframe set by the agency and possess a Bachelor's degree with at least three years of related experience.

Travel and a valid WV driver’s license are required as noted in the posting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Three (3) years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience in an area related to social work, social services, or child welfare.
• Internal Applicants Only: Two (2) years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience as a worker in the Child Protective Service or Child Welfare series may substitute for the required experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide consultation and guidance to Child Protective Service Workers on cases eligible for closure at ClearPath.
• Review case documentation, risk and safety assessments, and ensure alignment with WV Code and BSS policy before recommending case closure.
• Collaborate with field Child Protective Service Workers and Supervisors to ensure cases meet criteria and that CPS decisions reflect best practice standards and support positive outcomes for families.
• Complete assessment documentation and make closure decisions.
• Identify practice trends through consultation and contribute to system improvement initiatives.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on child safety and risk assessment.
• Participate in case reviews, quality assurance activities, and professional development opportunities.

Skills

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

General Description

The Child Welfare Consultant in the Office of Field Support, ClearPath Unit, will perform consultation, documentation, and closure decisions in child protective services assessments involving children who have been determined to be safe at the conclusion of a thorough investigation. This role is vital to ensuring consistent, timely, and high-quality consultation and documentation across the state through the effective application of policy and practice standards.

Applicants must possess a valid WV driver’s license and reliable transportation. Travel may be required. Successful completion of a background check is required for employment. Preference may be given to candidates with demonstrated experience in child welfare and/or social services.

Please note: Applicants hired into this classification must obtain licensure as a Social Worker from the West Virginia Board of Social Work within a timeframe set 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.

Posting Number: BSS27CICP004

Counties of work: Statewide

Position Numbers: 0511P06123, 0511P03813, 0511P04432, 0511P03620, 0511P06144, 0511P05221, 0511P02414, 0511P00260, 0511P03708

Example Of Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide consultation and guidance to Child Protective Service Workers on cases eligible for closure at ClearPath.
• Review case documentation, risk and safety assessments, and ensure alignment with WV Code and BSS policy before recommending case closure.
• Collaborate with field Child Protective Service Workers and Supervisors to ensure cases meet criteria and that CPS decisions reflect best practice standards and support positive outcomes for families.
• Complete assessment documentation and make closure decisions.
• Identify practice trends through consultation and contribute to system improvement initiatives.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on child safety and risk assessment.
• Participate in case reviews, quality assurance activities, and professional development opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Licensure/Certifications

None.

Experience

Three (3) years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience in an area related to social work, social services, or child welfare.

Internal Applicants Only

Two (2) years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience as a worker in the Child Protective Service or Child Welfare series may substitute for the required experience.

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.