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Child Protection Services Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Iowa

Child Protection Worker

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$54K - $81K/yr

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Family Well-Being & Protection, Bureau of Child Protective Services, is hiring a Child Protection Worker (CPW) for the Northern ...

State of Illinois

CHILD PROTECTION SPECIALIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

$6.7K - $9.3K/mo

Department of Children and Family Services Job Title: Child Protection Specialist Class Title: CHILD PROTECTION SPEC - 07163 Skill Option: None Bilingual Option: Spanish Salary: Starting Salary $6 ...

State of Iowa

Child Protection Worker

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$54K - $81K/yr

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Family Well-Being & Protection, Bureau of Child Protective Services, is hiring a Child Protection Worker (CPW) for the Eastern Iowa ...

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State of Illinois

CHILD PROTECTION SPECIALIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

$6.4K/mo

Department of Children and Family Services Title: Child Protection Specialist Class Title: CHILD PROTECTION SPEC - 07163 Skill Option: None Bilingual Option: None Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary ...

State of Illinois

CHILD PROTECTION SPECIALIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

$6.7K - $9.3K/mo

Department of Children and Family Services Job Title: Child Protection Specialist Class Title: CHILD PROTECTION SPEC - 07163 Skill Option: None Bilingual Option: Spanish Salary: Starting Salary $6 ...

State of Iowa

Child Protection Worker

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$54K - $81K/yr

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Family Well-Being & Protection, Bureau of Child Protective Services, is hiring a Child Protection Worker (CPW) for the Cedar Rapids ...

State of Illinois

CHILD PROTECTION SPECIALIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

$6.7K - $9.3K/mo

Department of Children and Family Services Job Title: Child Protection Specialist Class Title: CHILD PROTECTION SPEC - 07163 Skill Option: None Bilingual Option: Spanish Salary: Starting Salary $6 ...

State of Illinois

CHILD PROTECTION SPECIALIST

Olney, IL · On-site

$6.4K - $9.3K/mo

Department of Children and Family Services Class Title: CHILD PROTECTION SPEC - 07163 Skill Option: None Bilingual Option: None Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,768 monthly; Full Range $6,460 ...

State of Illinois

CHILD PROTECTION SPECIALIST

Rockford, IL · On-site

$6.4K - $9.3K/mo

Department of Children and Family Services Class Title: CHILD PROTECTION SPEC - 07163 Skill Option: None Bilingual Option: Spanish Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,460 monthly; Full Range $6 ...

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Child Protection Services information

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$52K

$70.6K

$88K

How much do child protection services jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for child protection services in the United States is $70,578.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Child Protection Services?

Child Protection Services (CPS) are government agencies responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of children who may be at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. CPS investigates reports of suspected child maltreatment and works to protect children by providing family support services, arranging foster care, or, in severe cases, removing children from dangerous environments. The primary goal of CPS is to keep children safe while helping families address and resolve issues that may put children at risk.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Child Protection Services worker?

To thrive as a Child Protection Services worker, you need a background in social work or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree and, in many cases, relevant state licensure. Familiarity with case management systems, risk assessment tools, and legal documentation processes is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, resilience, and the ability to remain objective under stress help workers build trust and make sound decisions in sensitive situations. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable children while navigating complex family dynamics and legal requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Child Protection Services, and how can these be managed?

Professionals in Child Protection Services often encounter emotional challenges, such as handling cases of abuse or neglect and navigating complex family dynamics. High caseloads and time-sensitive investigations can also contribute to stress and burnout. Effective management of these challenges includes strong support from supervisors, regular team debriefings, ongoing training, and access to mental health resources. Building resilience and establishing healthy work-life boundaries are also crucial for long-term success in this field.

What is the difference between Child Protection Services vs Social Worker?

AspectChild Protection ServicesSocial Worker
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in social work or related field; licensure may be requiredRequires a bachelor's or master's degree in social work; licensure often necessary
Work EnvironmentChild welfare agencies, government offices, child advocacy settingsHospitals, schools, community organizations, government agencies
Employer & IndustryGovernment child welfare departments, non-profitsHealthcare, education, social services sectors
Common Search & ComparisonChild Protection Services vs Social Worker

Child Protection Services and Social Workers often work closely, but Child Protection Services specifically focus on investigating and managing child abuse and neglect cases. Social Workers have a broader role, providing support across various social issues, including child welfare, mental health, and community services. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, but their primary responsibilities and scope differ.

Can I be a child protection services worker?

Child Protection Services workers, also known as social workers or caseworkers, typically need a relevant bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field. They often require background checks, strong communication skills, and sometimes state licensure or certification to work in this field.

What degree do you need to work for a child protection services agency?

Child protection services agencies typically require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, sociology, or a related field for entry-level positions. Advanced roles or specialized positions may require a master's degree and relevant certifications, such as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

What do I need to work with child protection services?

To work in child protection services, individuals typically need a relevant degree such as social work, psychology, or social services, along with experience in child welfare. Certification or licensure may be required depending on the role and jurisdiction, and strong communication, assessment, and crisis management skills are essential.
More about Child Protection Services jobs

What cities are hiring for Child Protection Services jobs?

Cities with the most Child Protection Services job openings:

What states have the most Child Protection Services jobs?

States with the most job openings for Child Protection Services jobs include:

Child Protection Services jobs near you

Intern - Child Protection Services (Spring)

State of South Dakota

Brookings, SD • On-site

$20.53/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

State Of South Dakota rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 50 rated states

Job description

Session: Spring (January - May)
Position Title:Intern - Child Protection Services Intern
Hiring Manager: Christine Krogman
Agency:Department of Social Services / Child Protection Services
Location: Brookings
Minimum Salary: $20.53 hourly
*APPLICANT MUST BE A CURRENT PART-TIME OR FULL-TIME STUDENT (MINIMUM OF 6 CREDIT HOURS) IN UPCOMING SEMESTER OR IN THE IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING SEMESTER.
Position Description:
This position's primary purpose is to assist Family Services Specialists with families whose children have been reported or identified as being unsafe and who may be placed out of their parent's home. These duties may include direct interventions with children and families through a wide range of services. Responsibilities may include receiving reports from the community regarding allegations of child maltreatment, assessments with families regarding allegations of child maltreatment, interventions with families to address change needed to secure child safety in their homes, coordinating and facilitating family team meetings recruitment and support of foster and relative homes caring for maltreated children, and the matching of resource families for children unable to return to their birth families
Qualifications:
Applicant must be enrolled as a part-time/full-time student at a college, university, or technical institute at the time they apply. By the start of the internship, the student should have completed one year (nine months) of their chosen program.
All students are encouraged to apply, but preference may be given to applicants with a standing of junior/senior, South Dakota residents, and students of South Dakota institutions.
Apply at: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=4GI
*Positions can be filled prior to the closing date.*
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration
Telephone: 605.773.3148
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"
#LI-Onsite

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