Child Protective Service Worker

Office of Shared Administration•Lewis, WV

About The Position

The Child Protective Service Worker performs professional social work focused on crisis intervention, safety assessment, family preservation, and court advocacy. Workers protect children experiencing abuse or neglect, or who may be at risk of immediate danger; connect children and families with services during hardship; and help families resolve conflicts and access social services. After completing an in-house training program, workers perform complex social casework and family intervention services. The role requires evaluating risk and danger in cases involving abuse, neglect, or exploitation, sometimes in coordination with law enforcement. Travel is required and may include on-call work during non-traditional hours. Overtime pay is available, and ongoing training and worker support services are provided. Applicants need a valid West Virginia driver's license and reliable transportation, and must complete a background check. Hired employees must obtain social worker licensure from the West Virginia Board of Social Work within a timeframe set by the appointing agency; until licensed, they may not perform duties requiring licensure under state law or Board regulation. The position is with the Bureau for Social Services, operating under the West Virginia Department of Human Services, and serves children, adolescents, and vulnerable adults facing abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. The Bureau works to promote the security, permanence, and welfare of children and vulnerable adults, empower individuals, and strengthen families through access to healthcare, social services, and benefits and by fostering safe and supportive environments.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Valid driver's license; applicants must possess a valid West Virginia driver's license.
Reliable transportation.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to maintain detailed case records and extensive documentation.
Must complete a background check successfully.
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, may not perform duties requiring licensure under state law or Board regulation.
In-depth knowledge of child development, trauma-informed care, and applicable state and federal child welfare laws.
Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills, particularly in high-stress or sensitive environments.
Ability to assess complex situations, develop strategic safety plans, and collaborate with law enforcement and legal teams.
Commitment to integrity, cultural humility, child safety, and family reunification.

Responsibilities

Investigate allegations of abuse or neglect to determine child safety and risk levels.
Counsel children and families and provide resources and strategies to mitigate risk and improve household stability.
Collaborate with physicians, teachers, law enforcement, and the court system to develop comprehensive permanency plans.
Manage a caseload and accurately document home visits, safety assessments, and service referrals.
Represent the agency in legal proceedings and provide expert testimony and detailed court reports regarding child placement and parental progress.
Provide crisis intervention, safety assessment, family preservation, and court advocacy.
Connect children and families with services, help resolve conflicts, and support access to social services.
Evaluate risk and assess levels of danger, coordinating with law enforcement when needed.