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Entry Level Child Protective Services Jobs in Virginia

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

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level child protective services in Virginia is $26.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $22.88 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Child Protective Services jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Child Protective Services jobs in Virginia are:

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

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

Entry Level Child Protective Services jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Child Protective Services job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, and 24% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,117 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Family Services Supervisor - Child Protective Services (Gloucester)

Virginia Department of Social Services

Gloucester, VA • On-site

$58K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

825th of 848 rated public administrative organizations

Job description


Job Description
The Gloucester Department of Social Services is seeking a highly motivated individual to lead a dynamic team of Family Services Specialists in the Child Protective Services Unit. The selected candidate will supervise staff that provide direct services for fostering and sustaining the social, health, economic, behavioral and emotional functioning of individuals and families serviced by the Agency. This individual will set the standard for quality and quantity of work performed by the unit, evaluate social service programs and budgets, implement human resource practices in the supervision of staff, establish and maintain good working relationships with others; deal with difficult or dangerous cases; interpret the program to other agencies and the public, and participates actively in numerous committees both within the agency and the community. As part of the Services Unit, the selected candidate will work closely with other supervisory staff ensuring seamless operations of the Services Unit and problem solve unexpected situations.
Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application/resume. Please provide all relevant job experiences as it relates to the position you are applying for.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Provide direct supervision to three Family Services Specialists.
  • Review reports of child abuse and neglect received by the agency, determining track and response time.
  • Identify families that will benefit from agency support in order to maintain children in their own homes or with relative/kin in their own communities.
  • Ensure staff are identifying safety and risk concerns and reducing the reoccurrence of child maltreatment.
  • Meet regularly with staff to review case progress and service implementation.
  • Meet regularly with unit supervisors and agency leadership, participating fully in the overall management of the agency.
  • Close cases timely ensuring Family Service Specialists have followed all mandated and best practice guidance to ensure child safety.
  • As needed, perform casework functions for high profile cases or conflict of interest cases from other localities as requested by the agency director.
  • Set and enforce objectives for quality and quantity of work performed by the unit.
  • Review monthly and quarterly reports. Review data and determine needs of the unit based on outcomes.
  • Provide statistical data based on reviewed reports.
  • Provide training to new staff in program area as well as agency operations.
  • Monitor and evaluate progress completing monthly coaching notes and hands-on learning as needed.
  • Monitor staff training and recommend additional trainings based on individual development of the employee.
  • Complete semi-annual reviews of staff performance; creating goals to improve staff performance and growth within the agency.
  • Attend regularly scheduled meetings as well as participate in Family Partnership Meetings.
  • Provide training and education to community partners regarding child protective services.
  • Evaluate social service programs and budgets associated with child protective service programs.
  • Apply appropriate human resource practices in the supervision of staff.
  • Establish and maintain working relationships with various community partners such as law enforcement, Court personnel, school staff, etc.
  • Provide sound judgement to staff during high stress cases to ensure proper policy and procedures are followed according to agency and state policy.
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Working knowledge of adult protective services and foster care programs as to aid in daily operations of the unit and on-call situations.
  • Provide back-up supervision for all on-call worker in the Services Unit on a regular basis.
  • When activated by the County Administrator, assume the role of manager in the local shelter during times of community emergencies or disasters.

Hiring Range: $58,926 (May be higher depending on qualifications and budgetary considerations)
Minimum Qualifications
  • Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field or minimum of a Bachelor's degree in any field with a minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area (Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia).
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience working in child welfare programs or related experience in Human Services.
  • Experience with casework supervision in either a supervisory or leadership role.
  • Equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
  • Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of effective supervision.
  • Considerable knowledge of policies, procedures and regulations relating to the various direct service programs.
  • Considerable knowledge of social, economic, health and employment problems that face individuals, groups and communities.
  • Ability to operate a personal computer and the associated software.
  • Must be able to drive a motor vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working in a local Virginia Social Services agency providing supervision or acting in a leadership role.
  • Considerable casework supervision with principles and practices of Child Protective Services.
  • Considerable principles and processes for providing customer and personal services to include needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of satisfaction.
  • Considerable knowledge of employment and/or social work principles, practices and treatment modalities.
  • Completion of Virginia Department of Social Services required trainings in Child Protective Services as well as knowledge of OASIS, COMPASS and SafeMeasures.
  • Ability to form working relationships with community stakeholders such as: Police Department, School System, Community Services Board, private providers and faith-based organizations as well as Family Assessment Planning Team and the Community Policy Management Team.

Special Requirements
  • Applicants are subject to a Criminal History Background search, including an FBI Fingerprint Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check.
  • All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screening.

Special Instructions -
Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application/resume.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to fully represent their qualification on the application/resume as to how they correlate to posting specific questions.
Applicants must include complete work history with job responsibilities as well as indicate periods of unemployment, if applicable.
Failure to submit an application/resume with complete information may disqualify the application.
Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, emailed, faxed or hand delivered application and resumes will not be accepted. This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration.
About Us
VDSS is one of the largest Commonwealth agencies, partnering with 120 local departments of social services, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside nearly 13,000 state and local human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia's most vulnerable citizen have access to best services and benefits available to them.

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