Youth Service Worker Senior

WV Department of Human Services; West Virginia; On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The WV Department of Human Services is seeking an experienced Youth Services Social Worker to deliver professional casework for youth and families while guiding staff with assessments, planning, and service referrals. You will coordinate with child protective services, foster care, and community partners, perform intakes, and travel frequently using a personal vehicle.

A bachelor’s degree and two years of relevant experience are required, and licensure as a Social Worker must be obtained within

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Two (2) years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience performing social services/work, probation and enforcement services, or community support and welfare services for adults and children.
• Note: Applicants 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, duties requiring a licensed social worker are restricted.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional social services to youth and their families.
• Serve as a lead worker, providing guidance, mentoring, and assistance to assigned staff.
• Conduct intakes, assessments, case planning, and service referrals.
• Coordinate with child protective services, foster care, legal guardianship, and community partners.
• Support youth who may pose a risk to themselves or others due to mental, emotional, or behavioral challenges.
• Ensure youth are served in the least restrictive environment possible.
• Maintain accurate and thorough case documentation.
• Respond to on-call situations outside of normal business hours, as required.
• Travel extensively using a personal vehicle to serve youth across assigned areas.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Valid driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

Job description

General Description

Make a Difference in the Lives of West Virginia Youth

Are you an experienced social worker ready to take the next step in your career—guiding others while continuing meaningful direct service? This position blends advanced casework with leadership, serving as a trusted resource for staff working with youth and families facing complex challenges.

Why Join Us?

• Engage in front-line, hands-on case management
• Purpose-driven work that directly impacts youth and families
• A role that builds professional social work and leadership experience
• Enjoy competitive benefits, including generous leave, comprehensive health coverage, retirement options, and access to Public Service Loan Forgiveness programs.
• Be part of a mission-driven organization committed to public service excellence.

Under general supervision, perform complex Youth 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 youth 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: BSS27KN018

Counties of work: Kanawha

Position Number(s): 0511PO3856

_____________________________

Example Of Duties And Responsibilities

As a Youth Services Social Worker, you will:

• Provide professional social services to youth and their families
• Serve as a lead worker, providing guidance, mentoring, and assistance to assigned staff
• Conduct intakes, assessments, case planning, and service referrals
• Coordinate with child protective services, foster care, legal guardianship, and community partners
• Support youth who may pose a risk to themselves or others due to mental, emotional, or behavioral challenges
• Ensure youth are served in the least restrictive environment possible
• Maintain accurate and thorough case documentation
• Respond to on-call situations outside of normal business hours, as required
• Travel extensively using a personal vehicle to serve youth across assigned areas
• This position may involve working in emotionally intense or potentially dangerous situations and requires sound judgment, professionalism, and resilience.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience

Two (2) years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience performing social services/work, probation and enforcement services, or community support and welfare services for adults and children.

Experience Substitution

Additional education may substitute for the required experience based on a year-for-year basis or as determined by the Office of Shared Administration Equivalency Chart.

Special Requirements

Valid driver’s license. Accessibility to a phone.

Internal Applicants Only

One (1) year of full-time or equivalent part-time experience as a Centralized Intake, Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services or Youth 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.