Child Protective Service Worker Associate

Office of Shared Administration•Berkeley, WV

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Child Protective Service Worker Associate (BSS26BJ009-B) performs duties to support Child Protective Services Workers, playing a critical role in the health and safety of West Virginia's children. Upon completion of an in-house training program, these positions gather information and conduct interviews regarding abuse, neglect, or exploitation of children. The role also involves assisting with court petitions, transports, safety planning, and other support duties. Travel is required, and the position may include being on-call during non-traditional hours. Ongoing training and access to support services are provided. This position is eligible for overtime pay. Applicants must possess a valid WV driver’s license and reliable transportation, along with strong oral and written communication skills for maintaining detailed case records and extensive documentation. Overtime hours and frequent travel may be required. Successful completion of a background check is mandatory for employment. The primary county of work is Berkeley.

Requirements

Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Valid WV driver’s license.
Reliable transportation.
Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
Ability to maintain detailed case records and extensive documentation.
Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
Provide three (3) letters of recommendation from persons not related to the applicant.
Must have access to a phone.

Nice To Haves

Honorably retired law enforcement officer
Honorably retired parole officer
Honorably retired federal or state probation officer

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 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.
Make 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.
Complete family assessments to determine dynamics and problems that may be precipitating abuse or neglect situations.
Develop effective interventions to strengthen families that address safety, well-being, and permanency of children.
Prepare safety, service, and treatment plans to remedy contributing problems and stop behavior patterns of abuse/neglect/exploitation and solicit family cooperation.
File petitions with the court as needed to ensure the safety of children, testify before the court, and make appropriate placements of children, including but not limited to staying with relatives, in foster homes, residential treatment facilities, or in an emergency shelter.
Provide transportation for children and clients as needed.
Gather information and conduct interviews regarding abuse, neglect or exploitation of children.
Assist with court petitions, transports, safety planning and other duties to support staff.