1

Child Protection Services Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Social Worker (Child Protection)

Buffalo, MN · On-site

$33.97 - $48.23/hr

Child protection social workers provide an array of services to families, provide assessments, intervention services, safety planning services, case management, and court intervention, if necessary.

... to Child Protective Services. * Monitor attendance and academic achievement of all school age children and help them improve their academic success by addressing barriers. * Assist families in ...

Sr. Social Worker

MN · On-site

$79K - $108K/yr

Four years providing Child Welfare/Child Protection Social work in a county setting * Paid work experience with and providing services to individuals from a variety of cultural, ethnic, and ...

Sr. Social Worker

Stillwater, MN · On-site

$79K - $108K/yr

Four years providing Child Welfare/Child Protection Social work in a county setting Paid work experience with and providing services to individuals from a variety of cultural, ethnic, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Child Protection Services information

See Minnesota salary details

$50.9K

$69.1K

$86.2K

How much do child protection services jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for child protection services in Minnesota is $69,125.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,800.00 and $78,400.00 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.

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Child Protection Services jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Child Protection Services job openings:

Infographic showing various Child Protection Services job openings in Minnesota as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,125 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Full Time Social Worker - Child Protection

Brown County (MN)

New Ulm, MN

$32.91 - $36.90/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Investigate reports of child abuse and neglect and coordinate services and referrals for families.

  • Supervise family-based workers, foster parents, therapists, and skills workers, and facilitate child protection multi-disciplinary team meetings.

  • Prepare case plans, court reports, and recommendations, and testify in court proceedings related to child protection cases.


Brown County (Wisconsin) rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

649th of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Position Summary Provide Child Protection services to children and families. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Investigates reports of abuse/neglect of children. Screens child protection reports with screening teams.

Supervises family-based workers, foster parents, therapists, and skills workers. Coordinates services and referrals for families. Interprets child protective services and child welfare laws pertaining to abuse/neglect.

Provides preventative services to neglected children. Interprets social and emotional factors to multi-disciplinary teams involved in the treatment of clients. Attend and facilitate Child Protection multi-disciplinary teams.

Arranges and provides for visitation of children with their families. Prepares intensive long or short-term case plans. Consults with psychiatrists, psychologists, attorneys and other providers.

Makes child foster and residential placements. Prepares court reports and recommendations. Testifies in court proceedings.

Interprets and implements judicial findings and court orders. Assess the health and safety needs of clients. Protect client confidentiality in compliance with data privacy laws and rules.

Act as a Mandated Reporter of child and adult protection concerns. Mobilize crisis resources to reasonably assure the health and safety of clients. Provide direct and indirect support to families and individuals in the home, office and community.

Assist with transporting clients as needed. Knowledge and ability to effectively use SSIS and assessment tools. Maintain case records which meet Federal and State guidelines.

Be knowledgeable of legislative changes and mandates. Be knowledgeable of community resources. Complete annual and ongoing training as required.

Participate in agency/unit meetings. Works closely with law enforcement, County Attorney, medical staff, the entire Brown County Human Service staff, probation workers, Guardian Ad Litems (GAL), staff from a variety of treatment centers, community educators, mental health staff, Public Health nurses and other community professionals. Represent the County as approved on various boards and committees and special projects.

Perform office intake and weekend on-call duties as required by the agency. Provide community education. Available to work outside regular business hours, including nights and weekends.

All County Jobs Other duties as assigned or apparent. Regular attendance is required. Attends meetings and training, as needed.

Position is for a CP I at Grade 10 with an entry hourly wage range of $32.91 to $36.90, DOQ. OR CP II at Grade 11 with an hourly wage range of $34.55 to $38.75, DOQ. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER Qualifications This position may be filled at either the Child Protection Social Worker I (CPI) or Child Protection Social Worker 2 (CPII) level, depending on the candidate's education and experience

CP I: Bachelor's or master's degree in human services field and two (2) years' experience as a County Social Worker/Case Manager preferred. CP I Requirements: Completion of Child Protection Foundations Training within the first six months, if not already completed. Valid Class D Driver's License.

CP II: Master's degree in human services field plus tow (2) years' experience as a County Social Worker/Case Manager; or Master's degree in human services field plus (1) year direct experience as a County Child Protection Social Worker; or Bachelor's degree in human services field plus five (5) years direct experience as a County Child Protection Social Worker. CP II Requirements: Completion of Child Protection Foundations Training within the first six months, if not already completed. Valid Class D Driver's License.

Proven leadership/mentorship qualities demonstrated over the most recent five years or more with a specific unit (mental health, child protection, adult services, etc.). Ability to train on various programs/ roles within the unit. Ability to mentor

Ability to facilitate team meetings when supervisor is not present. Regular attendance according to the department's work schedule. Maintain good performance standing with Brown County.

Maintain safety, data privacy, and data security training. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Ability to maintain, review and interpret program management reports. Thorough knowledge of Federal, State and local laws and regulations regarding collections, child support enforcement, data privacy and human services programs.

Understanding of basic social work practices and a working knowledge of other units and services within the agency and community resources. Ability to plan, assess, and make decisions under pressure. The ability to use time wisely and efficiently.

Determine work priorities and manage workload requirements. Ability to perform the job functions as governed by policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and law. Demonstrate the ability to anticipate and meet realistic time frames.

Flexibility to adjust to crisis situations. Demonstrates dedication and conscientiousness in carrying out job responsibilities. Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with clients, colleagues, agency administration, professionals and work with the public in a positive manner.

Ability to work independently. Ability to plan and coordinate workflow for maximum efficiency and effectiveness. Ability to handle confidential information and follow data practices requirements.

Skill with human resource management practices including training, delegation and performance appraisal. Ability to apply professional/ managerial principles and judgement within overall goals/ direction established by senior management. Considerable analytic ability to select, evaluate, and interpret data from multiple sources.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of internal and external contacts to achieve organizational objectives.


What Brown County (Wisconsin) employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom