Child Welfare Permanency Worker

WV Department of Human Services; West Virginia; On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

West Virginia Department of Human Services seeks a Child Welfare Permanency Worker to provide adoption services across multiple counties. You will match children with suitable families and navigate court and social services processes to establish permanent, loving homes.

This role requires a Bachelor’s degree, a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel. Strong communication and detailed case documentation are essential, with occasional after-hours work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• No prior work experience required.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a phone.

Responsibilities

• Attend ongoing trainings to stay updated on state and federal social welfare laws and protocols regarding child welfare and adoption.
• Conduct interviews to identify safe, permanent placement options for children in need of a family.
• Assess placement candidates using established guidelines to ensure needs can be met.
• Act as liaison between the agency and the court system to ensure proper policies and procedures are followed.
• Develop and maintain communication with professionals across social work, medical, and judicial fields to prioritize safety and permanency.
• Attend court hearings and testify on behalf of the department.

Skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

General Description Child Welfare Permanency Worker Counties: Boone, Braxton, Cabell, Calhoun, Clay, Fayette, Gilmer, Greenbrier, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Monroe, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Putnam, Raleigh, Roane, Summers, Wayne, Webster, Wyoming

This position performs adoption services in the area of child welfare services. Work demands a dedicated effort towards finding suitable adoptive homes for children navigating the complexities of the foster care system, with a goal of establishing permanency and stable family environments. These positions navigate the intricacies of the adoption process, ensuring that each step is conducted ethically, legally, and in the best interests of the child. These positions will be conducting thorough matching of prospective adoptive families with children, facilitating the placement of children in suitable homes, and working towards the establishment of permanent and loving family connections. They interact with various professional practitioners in the fields of social work, mental health, court, and the legal system. These positions require frequent travel, often using a personal vehicle, both intra- and interstate, and may involve after-hours and weekend emergencies. Perform related work as required.

Responsibilities May Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Attending, ongoing training to develop comprehensive knowledge of State and Federal social welfare laws, rules, regulations, and evolving protocols regarding child abuse and neglect.
• Conducting interviews to identify safe, permanent placement options for children that were victims of abuse or neglect by talking with and visually observing individuals and/or families.
• Assessing eligible placement candidates using established guidelines to determine if the needs of the children can be met under the current requirements.
• Act as a liaison between the agency and the court system to ensure correct policies and procedures are always being followed.
• Developing and maintaining effective communication with professionals across the respective social work, medical and judicial fields to ensure that the safety, well‑being, and permanency of children is the priority.
• Attend court hearings and testifying before the court on behalf of the department.

Example Of Duties And Responsibilities

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Attending, ongoing training to develop comprehensive knowledge of State and Federal social welfare laws, rules, regulations, and evolving protocols regarding child abuse and neglect.
• Conducting interviews to identify safe, permanent placement options for children that were victims of abuse or neglect by talking with and visually observing individuals and/or families.
• Assessing eligible placement candidates using established guidelines to determine if the needs of the children can be met under the current requirements.
• Act as a liaison between the agency and the court system to ensure correct policies and procedures are always being followed.
• Developing and maintaining effective communication with professionals across the respective social work, medical and judicial fields to ensure that the safety, well‑being, and permanency of children is the priority.
• Attend court hearings and testifying before the court on behalf of the department.

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.

Counties of work: Boone, Braxton, Cabell, Calhoun, Clay, Fayette, Gilmer, Greenbrier, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Monroe, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Putnam, Raleigh, Roane, Summers, Wayne, Webster, Wyoming

Position Number(s): 0511P03797, 0511P04404, 0511P06326, 0511P06657, 0511P04521, 0511P04481, 0511P04390

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience

None.

Special Requirements

Valid driver’s license. Accessibility to a phone.

Note:

At the appointing agency’s discretion, competitive applicants may receive probationary appointment pending official verification of the qualifying training, examination or certification. The qualifying training, examination or certification must be verified before the employee may be certified permanent.

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.