Child Protective Service Worker

About the Role

Child Protective Service Workers protect children who are experiencing abuse, neglect, or may be at risk of immediate danger. They 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, which 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.

Workers handle active court cases where children have been removed or cases where children remain in the home. If the child remains in the home, the Department of Human Services (DoHS) provides services or arranges for a community provider to assist the family. If children are removed, DoHS staff locate appropriate foster homes or facilities to ensure placement and permanency plans are accurate and provide or arrange services for the family. Workers prepare documents, testify in court, schedule Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meetings, and transport children and families. They gather information and prepare cases for transfer to adoptions or other services. All duties are performed under close supervision.

This position will be assigned to handle cases in Family Drug Treatment Court. Counties of work include Greenbrier, Monroe, Pocahontas, and Summers.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate risk and assess levels of danger for children experiencing abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
• Provide or arrange access to services that support children and families during hardship.
• Resolve family conflicts and connect families with social services.
• Coordinate with law enforcement as needed.
• Travel to various locations, including being on-call during non-traditional hours.
• Handle active court cases involving child removal or in-home services.
• Locate and secure appropriate foster homes or facilities for removed children.
• Prepare documents, testify in court, and schedule MDT meetings.
• Transport children and families as required.
• Gather information and prepare cases for transfer to adoptions or other services.
• Maintain detailed case records and extensive documentation.
• Manage cases in Family Drug Treatment Court.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Valid West Virginia driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain detailed case records and extensive documentation.
• Successful completion of a background check.
• 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 under state law or Board regulation cannot be performed.

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.

Workers are equipped with extensive training to handle delicate situations with compassion and dignity. They 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 work, at-risk populations can begin to thrive within the community.