Child Welfare Permanency Worker

About the role

Child Welfare Permanency Worker – responsible for performing adoption services within the child welfare system, locating suitable adoptive homes, and establishing permanent, stable family environments for children in foster care.

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 numbers: 0511P03797, 0511P04404, 0511P06326, 0511P06657, 0511P04521, 0511P04481, 0511P04390.

Responsibilities

• Attend ongoing training to develop comprehensive knowledge of state and federal social‑welfare laws, rules, regulations, and evolving protocols regarding child abuse and neglect.
• Conduct interviews and visual observations to identify safe, permanent placement options for children who were victims of abuse or neglect.
• Assess eligible placement candidates using established guidelines to determine if children’s needs can be met under current requirements.
• Act as a liaison between the agency and the court system to ensure policies and procedures are consistently followed.
• Develop and maintain effective communication with professionals across social work, medical, and judicial fields to prioritize children’s safety, well‑being, and permanency.
• Attend court hearings and testify on behalf of the department.
• Perform related work as required, including frequent travel (intra‑ and interstate) using a personal vehicle and responding to after‑hours or weekend emergencies.
• Maintain detailed case records and extensive documentation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience: None required.
• Special requirements:
  • Valid West Virginia driver’s license and reliable personal transportation.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to maintain detailed case records and extensive documentation.
  • Successful completion of a background check.
  • Accessibility to a phone.

About the organization

The Bureau for Social Services, operating under the West Virginia Department of Human Services, champions the security, permanence, and welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Formerly the Bureau for Children and Families, it provides comprehensive support to children, adolescents, and vulnerable adults facing abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. Staff receive extensive training to handle delicate situations with compassion and dignity, facilitating access to healthcare, social services, and benefits, and fostering safe, supportive environments that enable at‑risk populations to thrive within the community.