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Child Protective Services Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Maine

Child Protective Services Case Aide

Portland, ME · On-site

$20.73 - $26.48/hr

As a Child Protective Services Case Aide, you will play a vital role in the support and reunification of families served by the Office of Child and Family Services - Child Welfare division. You will:

Maine

Child Protective Services Case Aide

Biddeford, ME

$20.73 - $26.48/hr

As a Child Protective Services Case Aide, you will play a vital role in the support and reunification of families served by the Office of Child and Family Services - Child Welfare division. You will:

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How much do child protective services jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for child protective services in the United States is $15.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is 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 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.

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 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.

Is it hard to become a child protective services worker?

Becoming a Child Protective Services (CPS) worker typically requires a relevant bachelor's degree, such as social work or psychology, and passing background checks. The process involves completing training, gaining experience, and often obtaining state licensure or certification, making it a competitive and demanding career path.
More about Child Protective Services jobs

What cities are hiring for Child Protective Services jobs?

Cities with the most Child Protective Services job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Child Protective Services jobs?

The most popular types of Child Protective Services jobs are:

What states have the most Child Protective Services jobs?

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

What job categories do people searching Child Protective Services jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Child Protective Services jobs are:

Child Protective Services jobs near you
Infographic showing various Child Protective Services job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,724 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Child Protective Services Caseworker

Maine

Ellsworth, ME

$32.35 - $42.34/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State's career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.

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Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Opening Date: August 3, 2026

Closing Date: Open Continuously

Job Class Code: 5077
Grade: 24
Salary: $32.35 - $42.34 per hour*
* Hourly rate includes a $7.50/hr. recruitment and retention stipend

Location: Ellsworth

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Want to make a real difference in the lives of Maine children? The Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) within DHHS is looking for people committed to protecting the rights and well-being of children by providing professional case management services for our clients throughout the State of Maine. As a Child Protective Services Caseworker, you will develop investigative and case management skills and build extensive contacts within the judicial, law enforcement, educational, and social services communities. If you're in search of a career that is professionally and personally rewarding, offers exceptional training and educational opportunities, and supports children and families in Maine, this could be your next career opportunity.

As a Child Protective Services Caseworker you will:
Perform professional social work in the areas of child protection, children's services, and adoption.
Engage families to assess child safety and make plans which best meet the safety, well-being, and permanency needs of their children.
Create a team for each family consisting of family, staff, and community resources to support safe solutions for children.
Reach factually supported safety decisions in a timely and thorough manner, with input from parents, children, extended family, and community stakeholders to assure child safety.


Assess:
o child safety, abuse, and neglect, and signs of danger.
o family strengths and capabilities.
o family functioning;


Separate unsafe caregivers from children in need of protection when court action is required to make children safe.
Make appropriate plans for children, focusing on their safety needs, preservation of family relationships, reunifying children when appropriate, or achieving a permanent placement in another family if needed.
Maintain accurate case records of assessments, activities, and plans; summaries; reports; letters and memos.
Follow federal and state laws, mandates, policy, and timeframes to achieve child safety, well-being, and permanency. Perform case planning and when needed, petition for protective custody and placement of children

Successful candidates will be:
detail oriented
able to effectively manage and meet deadlines.

Work requires frequent overtime, emergency standby coverage, and regular travel within the geographic area served by a District Office.

Minimum Qualifications: A Bachelors Degree from an accredited educational institution in Social Work/Social Welfare; OR a Bachelors Degree in a related social service/social welfare/social work area which includes at least 12 courses in behavioral science, social science, or social work; AND must have or be eligible for conditional or full licensure as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) as determined by the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Applicants must have or be eligible for conditional or full licensure at the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) level as issued by the Maine State Board of Social Work Licensure. An LSW requires an earned BA/BS in social work/social welfare. An LSW-Conditional requires an earned BA/BS in a field related to social work/social welfare.

*Chapter 10 of the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure regulations defines a field related to social work or social welfare as including but not limited to: "behavioral science, social and behavioral sciences, childhood development, education and human development, mental health and human services, psychology, psychology/educational psychology, rehabilitation services, and sociology."

The board will consider degrees in other areas on an individual basis. For additional information on degree requirements, contact the Maine Board of Social Work Licensure at (207) 624-8603.

Agency Information:

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.

The Office of Child & Family Services (OCFS), within DHHS is responsible for ensuring the safety, permanency and well-being of children and families through community networks, local resources, and life-long family connections throughout Maine.

Application Information:

For additional information about this position please contact Lisa Bullard, Recruitment and Retention Specialist at (207)561-4240 or by e-mail at Lisa.M.Bullard@Maine.gov

To apply, please upload a resume and state your degree information as identified in the Minimum Qualifications Section.

To request a paper application, please contact Mandy.Hernandez@Maine.gov

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto-"Dirigo" or "I lead"-as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

  • Work-Life Fit- Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. When you or immediate members of your family are ill, utilize 12 days of sick leave per year.
  • Health Insurance Coverage- The State of Maine pays85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($12,213.60 - $13,650.48 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find thepremium costsfor you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
  • Health Insurance Premium Credit- Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information aboutprogram requirements.
  • Dental Insurance- The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
  • Retirement Plan- The State contributes the equivalent of 14.06% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
  • Gym Membership Reimbursement - Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
  • Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts - Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
  • Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness - The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
  • Living Resources Program - Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
  • Parental leaveis one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child-including non-birthing and adoptive parents-receivesix weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under theFamily and Medical Leave Act.
  • Voluntary Deferred Compensation - Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.

State employees are eligible for anextensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated foranything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you're looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we'd love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.

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