Child Protective Service Worker

Child Protective Service Workers protect children who are experiencing abuse, neglect or maybe 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.

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 investigations concerning allegations of abuse or neglect by talking with and visually observing affected individuals; talking with immediate family, relatives, neighbors, teachers, doctors, and relevant others and reviewing any pertinent records.
• Making an initial assessment of the validity of allegations and the degree of danger that children are in, documenting the results of investigations of the accused.
• Completing family assessments to determine dynamics and problems that may be precipitating abuse or neglect situations.
• Developing effective interventions to strengthen families that address safety, well-being, and permanency of children.
• Preparing safety, service, and treatment plans to remedy contributing problems and stop behavior patterns of abuse/neglect/exploitation and solicit family cooperation.
• Engaging families in counseling to resolve problems, referring them to other available resources, and monitoring safety and risk of further abuse or neglect to prevent recurrence.
• Filing petitions with the court as needed to ensure the safety of children, testifying before the court, and making appropriate placements of children, including but not limited to staying with relatives, in foster homes, residential treatment facilities, or in an emergency shelter.
• Evaluating the progress of families or living environments towards meeting objectives of safety/service/treatment plans, the need to modify plans, and the eventual disposition of cases.

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. Successful completion of a background check is required for employment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience: None.
• Special Requirements: Valid driver’s license. Accessibility to a phone.

Benefits Include:

• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick/family sick leave
• Health, dental, vision, retiree health, basic life, and supplemental life insurance
• Employee wellness programs
• Retirement
• Tuition reimbursement

The West Virginia Department of Human Services is an Equal Opportunity employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $44,850.00 - $74,750.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Paid time off
• Prescription drug insurance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Child or Adult Service: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $44,850 - $74,750