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Entry Level Child Protective Services Jobs in Minnesota

... 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 ...

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.

Parental Advocate

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$24.72 - $28.84/hr

... Child Protective Services (CPS). The ideal candidate for this position will possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, embrace challenging cases, and utilize problem-solving skills to ...

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Entry Level Child Protective Services information

See Minnesota salary details

$14

$26

$77

How much do entry level child protective services jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level child protective services in Minnesota is $26.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level child protective services job?

An Entry Level Child Protective Services (CPS) job involves assessing reports of child abuse or neglect, conducting investigations, and ensuring the safety of children. Workers in this role help identify at-risk children, provide support services to families, and collaborate with law enforcement and social workers. Responsibilities may include home visits, case documentation, and recommending interventions to protect children. Strong communication skills, empathy, and knowledge of child welfare laws are essential. Training is typically provided, and a degree in social work or a related field is often required.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an entry level child protective services position?

To thrive in an Entry Level Child Protective Services role, you typically need a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field, knowledge of child welfare laws, and strong assessment skills. Familiarity with case management software, documentation tools, and state reporting systems is important for efficient workflow. Standout candidates possess empathy, resilience, strong communication abilities, and the capacity to build rapport with children and families. These competencies are crucial for making informed decisions, ensuring child safety, and effectively supporting families under stress.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level professionals in child protective services?

Entry-level Child Protective Services professionals often face challenges such as managing a high caseload, making difficult decisions under pressure, and navigating complex family dynamics. The work can be emotionally demanding due to frequent exposure to sensitive situations involving children and families. However, new employees receive training, ongoing supervision, and support from colleagues to help them handle these challenges. Building effective time management and self-care routines can also help foster resilience and growth in this rewarding field.

How to start a career in Entry Level Child Protective Services?

To start a career in entry-level Child Protective Services, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field. Relevant skills include strong communication, empathy, and the ability to handle stressful situations; obtaining certifications such as CPR or first aid can also be beneficial. Applying through government or social service agency websites and gaining experience through internships or volunteer work can help establish a pathway into the field.

What degree do you need to work for an entry level child protective services?

Entry-level Child Protective Services positions typically require a high school diploma or equivalent; however, a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field is often preferred. Relevant skills include strong communication, assessment, and documentation abilities, and some roles may require certification or training in child welfare practices.

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

The most popular types of Child Protective Services jobs in Minnesota are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Child Protective Services jobs in Minnesota?

For Entry Level Child Protective Services jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Entry Level Child Protective Services jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Entry Level Child Protective Services job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Child Protective Services job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,450 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Full Time Social Worker - Child Protection

Brown County (MN)

New Ulm, MN • On-site

$32.91 - $36.90/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 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

648th 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.


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