Child Protective Service Worker

Office of Shared Administration•Kanawha, WV

About The Position

Child Protective Service Workers protect children experiencing abuse or neglect, or who may be at immediate risk of danger. They connect children and families with services, help resolve family conflicts, assess risk and danger, and conduct family intervention and social casework. Following an in-house training program, workers perform complex casework under close supervision. The role includes handling active court cases involving children who remain at home or have been removed, including arranging services, foster or other placements, and permanency planning. This position is assigned to cases in Family Drug Treatment Court and serves Kanawha County. Workers investigate allegations, assess family circumstances and child safety, develop safety and treatment plans, engage families in counseling, make referrals, and monitor progress. They may file court petitions, testify, schedule multidisciplinary team meetings, transport children and families, and prepare case documents and records. The position requires frequent travel and may involve on-call availability during non-traditional hours. Ongoing training and worker support services are provided. The position is eligible for overtime pay; overtime and frequent travel may be required. A background check is required. Applicants must have a valid West Virginia driver's license and reliable transportation. Hired workers 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, they may not perform duties that require licensure under state law or Board regulation.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Valid driver's license.
Reliable transportation.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to maintain detailed case records and extensive documentation.
Must obtain West Virginia social worker licensure within the timeframe established by the appointing agency; until licensure is obtained, may not perform duties requiring a licensed social worker.
Successful completion of a background check.

Responsibilities

Attend ongoing training on state and federal social welfare laws, rules, regulations, and evolving child abuse and neglect protocols.
Investigate allegations of child abuse or neglect by interviewing and observing affected individuals, contacting relevant people, and reviewing pertinent records.
Assess the validity of allegations and the degree of danger to children, and document investigation findings.
Complete family assessments to identify dynamics and problems that may contribute to abuse or neglect.
Develop interventions that strengthen families and address children's safety, well-being, and permanency.
Prepare safety, service, and treatment plans to address contributing problems and prevent abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Engage families in counseling, refer them to available resources, and monitor safety and the risk of further harm.
File court petitions when needed, testify in court, and arrange appropriate placements for children.
Evaluate family and living-environment progress toward plan objectives, determine whether plans need modification, and assess case disposition.
Provide or arrange services for families when children remain in the home.
Locate appropriate foster homes or facilities and ensure placement and permanency plans are accurate when children are removed.
Prepare documents, schedule multidisciplinary team meetings, transport children and families, and prepare cases for transfer to adoption or other services.