Child Protective Service Worker

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General Description

Posting Number 0511P05441 Child Protective Service Workers protect children who are experiencing abuse, neglect or may be at risk of immediate danger; provide access to services that support children and families during times of hardship; and work with families to help resolve conflicts and access social services. This position is critical to the health and safety of West Virginia's children. Upon completion of an in-house training program, these positions perform complex social casework and family intervention services. As cases may involve abuse, neglect or exploitation of children, this employee must have the expertise and judgment to evaluate risk and assess levels of danger that may include coordination with law enforcement. Due to the needs of this position, travel is required and may include being on-call during non-traditional hours. Ongoing training is provided, as is access to support services for the worker. This position is eligible for overtime pay. Applicants must possess a valid WV driver's license, and reliable transportation. Applicants also must have strong communication skills, both oral and written, and maintain detailed case records and extensive documentation. Overtime hours and frequent travel may be required. Successful completion of a background check is required for employment. The worker will handle active court cases where children have been removed or cases where children are left in the home. If the child remains in the home, DoHS would either provide services or arrange for a community provider to assist the family. If the children are removed, DoHS staff will locate appropriate foster home/facilities to assure that placement and permanency plans are accurate and provide or arrange services for the family. Workers must prepare documents, testify in court, schedule MDT meetings and transport children and families. Workers gather information and get cased prepared to be transferred to adoptions, etc. All of these duties are performed under close supervision. This position will be assigned to handle cases in Family Drug Treatment Court. The department has authorized a $5,000 hiring bonus for the positions of Child Protective Service Workers and Youth Service Workers. This requires a one-year employment commitment in Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan counties. Other counties identified are eligible for a $2,500 hiring bonus for the positions of CPS Worker and Youth Service Workers, which also requires a one-year employment commitment. Those counties are Boone, Braxton, Calhoun, Clay, Gilmer, Grant, Greenbrier, Hancock, Harrison, Kanawha, Marion, Mineral, Monongalia, Monroe, Pleasants, Pocahontas, Preston, Randolph, Ritchie, Roane, Taylor, or Webster counties. County of work: Greenbrier Position Number: 0511P05441

Example of Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Attending, ongoing training to develop comprehensive knowledge of State and Federal social welfare laws, rules, regulations, and evolving protocols regarding child abuse and neglect.
• Conducting 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.
• Making 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.
• Completing family assessments to determine dynamics and problems that may be precipitating abuse or neglect situations.
• Developing effective interventions to strengthen families that address safety, well-being, and permanency of children.
• Preparing safety, service, and treatment plans to remedy contributing problems and stop behavior patterns of abuse/neglect/exploitation and solicit family cooperation.
• Engaging families in counseling to resolve problems, referring them to other available resources, and monitoring safety and risk of further abuse or neglect to prevent recurrence.
• Filing petitions with the court as needed to ensure the safety of children, testifying before the court, and making appropriate placements of children, including but not limited to staying with relatives, in foster homes, residential treatment facilities, or in an emergency shelter.
• Evaluating the progress of families or living environments towards meeting objectives of safety/service/treatment plans, the need to modify plans, and the eventual disposition of cases.
• Handle cases in Family Drug Treatment Court.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Experience: None. Special Requirements: Valid driver's license. Accessibility to a phone. Note: At the appointing agency's discretion, competitive applicants may receive probationary appointment pending official verification of the qualifying training, examination or certification. Applicants may be appointed for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from date of hire pending verification of licensure. Applicants must agree in writing to verify licensure within sixty (60) days and pass the competency exam after pre-service training or be dismissed. Employees working under this restriction shall not perform any social work duties until the license is verified.

About the Organization

The Bureau for Social Services champions the security, permanence, and welfare of children and vulnerable adults, empowering individuals and strengthening families. Formerly the Bureau for Children and Families, the Bureau for Social Services operates under the West Virginia Department of Human Services, serving children, adolescents, and vulnerable adults facing abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. Equipped with extensive training to handle delicate situations with compassion and dignity, these workers contribute to the advancement of a vibrant and healthy West Virginia by facilitating access to crucial healthcare, essential social services and benefits, and fostering safe, supportive, and healthy environments. Through this hard work, at risk populations can begin to thrive within the community.