Child Protective Service Worker Senior

Office of Shared Administration•Randolph, WV

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Child Protective Service Worker Senior performs complex child protective services casework involving the abuse, neglect, or exploitation of minors. The position handles serious and complicated cases that require advanced judgment about multifaceted family situations and potential dangers to workers and clients. The senior worker manages specialized high-risk or high-profile cases, provides technical assistance and peer leadership to other CPS workers, and may represent the agency in administrative reviews and court hearings. The role requires attendance at training to keep current with evolving casework procedures. It is in the Bureau of Social Services, which serves children, adolescents, and vulnerable adults facing abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. The position requires a valid West Virginia driver’s license and reliable transportation for travel. Overtime, frequent travel, and on-call availability outside regular business hours are required; the employee must have access to a telephone. Applicants must have strong oral and written communication skills and maintain detailed case records and extensive documentation. A background check is required. Employees hired into this classification must obtain West Virginia social worker licensure within the timeframe established by the appointing agency; before obtaining licensure, they may not perform duties that require a licensed social worker under state law or Board regulation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Three years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience performing social services, probation and enforcement services, or community support and welfare services for adult and child protection.
Additional education may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis or as determined by the Office of Shared Administration Equivalency Chart.
Valid driver’s license; applicants must possess a 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 the timeframe established by the appointing agency. Until licensed, the employee may not perform duties requiring a licensed social worker under state law or Board regulation.
Overtime and on-call availability during non-regular business hours are required; access to a telephone is required.
Frequent travel may be required.
For internal applicants only: one year of full-time or equivalent part-time experience as a Child Protective Service Worker may substitute for the required experience.

Nice To Haves

Advanced clinical expertise in identifying chronic neglect, severe physical abuse, and complex family dynamics.
Proven ability to mentor Associate and entry-level workers through difficult field situations.
Strong analytical skills to review case data, identify trends, and develop solutions for families facing significant barriers.
Mastery of the legal system, including drafting sophisticated court documents and providing expert testimony in high-profile proceedings.

Responsibilities

Manage a specialized caseload involving high-risk or high-profile cases requiring advanced intervention strategies.
Provide technical assistance, coaching, and peer review of documentation for Associate and regular-level CPS workers as a lead worker.
Train, assign, and review the work of others.
Conduct joint investigations with law enforcement and medical specialists in cases involving severe trauma or criminal intent.
Draft and present complex permanency plans to multidisciplinary teams, advocating for children’s long-term stability.
Act as a hearing officer or agency representative in administrative reviews and high-level court hearings when the Supervisor is unavailable.
Perform related work as required.
Attend necessary training to remain current with evolving casework procedures.