1

Child Protective Services Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Case Coordinator, SafeSport

Irvine, CA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Social Services, Child Protective Services, Law Enforcement, Para legal, or other related field. * Must be able to maintain confidentiality. * Working experience providing customer service to diverse ...

Case Coordinator, SafeSport

Irvine, CA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Social Services, Child Protective Services, Law Enforcement, Para legal, or other related field. * Must be able to maintain confidentiality. * Working experience providing customer service to diverse ...

Case Coordinator, SafeSport

Irvine, CA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Social Services, Child Protective Services, Law Enforcement, Para legal, or other related field. * Must be able to maintain confidentiality. * Working experience providing customer service to diverse ...

Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Ontario, CA

$22.75 - $30.50/hr

Serves as a mandated Child Protective Services (CPS) and Adult/Elder Abuse reporter. * Facilitates and participates in chart reviews and audits of behavioral health clinicians. * Attends and ...

Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Ontario, CA

$22.75 - $30.50/hr

Serves as a mandated Child Protective Services (CPS) and Adult/Elder Abuse reporter. * Facilitates and participates in chart reviews and audits of behavioral health clinicians. * Attends and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Child Protective Services information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$10

$16

$23

How much do child protective services jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for child protective services in Riverside, CA is $16.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does CPS get paid per hour?

Child Protective Services (CPS) caseworkers typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and agency funding. Salaries often increase with years of service and additional certifications, and the role may include benefits such as health insurance and paid leave.

Is it hard to become a CPS worker?

Becoming a Child Protective Services (CPS) worker typically requires a relevant bachelor's degree, such as social work or psychology, and completion of state-specific training or certification. The process can be competitive and involves background checks, interviews, and sometimes experience in social services or related fields.

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

AspectChild Protective ServicesSocial Worker
CredentialsVaries by state, often requires a degree in social work or related fieldTypically requires a degree in social work, counseling, or psychology; licensure may be required
Work EnvironmentChild welfare agencies, often in office and field settings, focusing on child safetyHospitals, schools, community agencies, and government offices, with diverse client populations
Employer & IndustryGovernment child welfare agenciesPublic and private social service organizations, healthcare, education
Common Search/ComparisonChild Protective Services vs Social Worker

Child Protective Services (CPS) is a specific agency focused on investigating and responding to child abuse and neglect reports. Social Workers have broader roles, providing support, counseling, and advocacy across various settings. While CPS workers often work within government agencies and require similar credentials, social workers may work in multiple environments and handle a wider range of social issues.

What are Child Protective Services?

Child Protective Services (CPS) are government agencies responsible for investigating reports of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Their main goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of children by assessing situations, providing intervention services, and, when necessary, removing children from unsafe environments. CPS works closely with families, law enforcement, and community organizations to provide support and resources aimed at keeping children safe while also helping families resolve issues. The agency also plays a role in reunification efforts when it is safe and appropriate for children to return home.

What qualifications do you need to work for CPS?

Child Protective Services (CPS) workers typically need a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field, along with relevant experience or training in child welfare. Many states also require passing background checks and obtaining state licensure or certification. Strong communication, assessment skills, and the ability to handle sensitive situations are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Child Protective Services (CPS) worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Child Protective Services worker, you need a background in social work or a related human services field, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree and relevant state certification. Familiarity with case management software, documentation tools, and legal protocols is essential for effectively managing cases. Strong communication, empathy, resilience, and critical thinking are crucial soft skills for building trust and making sound decisions in high-stress situations. These skills are vital to ensuring child safety, conducting thorough investigations, and providing appropriate interventions for families in crisis.

What are some common challenges faced by Child Protective Services (CPS) workers, and how can they be managed?

CPS workers often encounter emotionally challenging situations, including working with families in crisis and making difficult decisions regarding child safety. Managing high caseloads and navigating complex legal and social systems can also be demanding. Support from supervisors, access to ongoing training, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams are key strategies for handling these challenges. Many agencies offer resources for stress management and peer support to help workers maintain their well-being and effectiveness.

How to start a career in child protection?

To start a career in child protection, individuals typically need a relevant bachelor's degree such as social work, psychology, or criminal justice. Certification or licensing may be required depending on the region, and gaining experience through internships or entry-level social work positions can be beneficial. Strong communication, empathy, and knowledge of child welfare laws are essential for success in this field.
What are popular job titles related to Child Protective Services jobs in Riverside, CA? For Child Protective Services jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Child Protective Services jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Child Protective Services jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Child Protective Services jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Child Protective Services job openings:
Infographic showing various Child Protective Services job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,140 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

$181K - $235K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Child Abuse Pediatrician
Full Time Opportunity
 

Join An Established Child Abuse Pediatrics Program and Help Grow & Expand Our Child Maltreatment Services

 CHOC Medical Group’s Child Protection team is looking for a dynamic, full-time Child Abuse Pediatrician with strong clinical, teaching, and communication skills to join a growing program at Rady Children’s Health (RCH) Orange County, a premier healthcare system based in Southern California. RCH Orange County is exclusively committed to the health and well-being of children through clinical expertise, advocacy, outreach and research that brings advanced treatment to pediatric patients.  The Child Protection Team currently includes 3 physicians as well as a Social Worker, a Nurse Care Manager, Practice Manager, and additional support staff.  Additionally, there is another Child Abuse Pediatrics program in Orange County through the University of California Irvine (UCI) with 3 physicians that our team at RCH Orange County collaborates with, and there are current ongoing efforts to align our 2 programs further into a joint division.

 Minimum Requirements: Board Certified/Eligible in Child Abuse Pediatrics or Extensive CAP Experience; & California Medical License Eligible

 Full Time Job Description:

  • Weekdays: Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Afterhours and Weekends: Shared Call Coverage, with availability by telephone, occasional weekend in-person response, and extremely rare overnight response
    • On-call responsibilities are shared equitably based on each individual’s clinical FTE and the divisions total clinical FTE
    • Opportunity for further sharing/division of on-call responsibilities as the RCH Child Protection Team further aligns with the UCI Division of Child Abuse Pediatrics
  • Faculty Appointment Available through our academic partner at the University of California-Irvine School of Medicine
  • Inpatient and outpatient consultative services, with plans and efforts ongoing to expand the outpatient consultative services
  • Outpatient primary care for children in foster care referred to the clinic, with plans and efforts ongoing to expand these services for consistency for this population 
  • Multidisciplinary team member collaboration, meetings, teaching, prevention work, and community involvement through Established Relationships with Medical Providers, County Child Protective Services, Law Enforcement Agencies, Attorneys, and others
  • Testimony when needed regarding patients 
  • Assist in Advancing Child Abuse Pediatric Services:
    • Development, design, and clinical practice in planned expansion of outpatient clinic services for consultations as well as for youth in foster care
    • Establishment of clinical guidelines, screening practices, and policies as well as operational pathways based on evidence informed best practices
    • Future goal of developing a Child Abuse Pediatrics Fellowship Program 
  • Teaching Opportunities with medical staff, students, residents, fellows, nurses, and community agencies, to provide education regarding recognizing and managing child maltreatment
  • Leadership Opportunities Available based on qualifications
  • Research & Publishing Opportunities Available 

Financial Package

  • CHOC offers a competitive salary guarantee
  • Full benefit package included, 401K with Match, Health, Dental, Vision, PTO, CME, Malpractice, Etc.

*Base pay rate does not include any incentives that service line specific positions may qualify for in their division. Signing bonuses may also be available and would also be in addition to total compensation. The pay range listed is an honest estimate of potential base compensation that may be offered to a successful candidate at the time of posting. When determining pay, several factors are taken into consideration, including but not limited to location, specialty, service line, years of relevant experience, education, professional credentials, internal equity, and budget.