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Protective Services Case Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Protective Services Case Worker information

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$26.5K

$48.9K

$71K

How much do protective services case worker jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for protective services case worker in the United States is $48,872.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $58,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do you need to work for CPS?

To work as a Protective Services Case Worker, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field, along with relevant experience in social services or child welfare. Certification or licensing may be required depending on the state or agency, and strong communication, assessment, and crisis management skills are essential. Some positions may also require background checks and training in child abuse and neglect protocols.

How hard is it to get a CPS job?

A Protective Services Case Worker role typically requires relevant education, such as a degree in social work or a related field, and often involves background checks and training. Competition can vary depending on location and experience, but strong interpersonal skills and knowledge of child welfare are important for success in the hiring process.

What qualifications do you need to become a caseworker?

To become a Protective Services Case Worker, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with many positions requiring a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field. Relevant skills include strong communication, assessment, and problem-solving abilities, and some roles may require certification or training in child or adult protective services. Prior experience in social services or related fields can also be beneficial.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Protective Services Case Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Protective Services Case Worker, you need a background in social work or a related field, often requiring a bachelor's degree and sometimes licensure or certification. Familiarity with case management systems, reporting tools, and relevant legal frameworks is typically necessary. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, resilience, and effective communication are vital for building trust with clients and collaborating with other professionals. These abilities are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals while efficiently navigating complex and often sensitive situations.

What are Protective Services Case Workers?

Protective Services Case Workers are professionals who investigate reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation involving children, adults, or elderly individuals. They assess the safety and well-being of clients, develop intervention plans, and coordinate services such as counseling or foster care. These workers often collaborate with law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community organizations to ensure vulnerable individuals are protected and supported. Their goal is to promote safety, stability, and long-term well-being for those at risk.

What are some common challenges faced by Protective Services Case Workers when managing caseloads?

Protective Services Case Workers often handle high caseloads, which can make time management and prioritization challenging. Balancing urgent situations, such as responding to immediate safety concerns, with routine documentation and follow-ups requires strong organizational skills. Additionally, navigating emotionally charged situations with families and collaborating across agencies can be demanding, but supportive supervision and teamwork are usually in place to help manage these pressures. Over time, many case workers develop resilience and effective strategies to address these challenges while ensuring the well-being of those they serve.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

Protective Services Case Workers typically do not earn $10,000 a month without advanced experience or specialized skills. High-paying roles that can reach this level often involve entrepreneurship, sales, real estate, or skilled trades, but most require relevant experience, certifications, or licensing rather than just a job title. Achieving such income without a degree usually depends on performance, industry, and individual effort.
More about Protective Services Case Worker jobs
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What states have the most Protective Services Case Worker jobs? States with the most job openings for Protective Services Case Worker jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Protective Services Case Worker jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Protective Services Case Worker jobs are:
Adult Protective Services Case Worker - Full TIme

Adult Protective Services Case Worker - Full TIme

Mercyhealth

Rockton, IL • On-site

$19.53 - $31.24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Mercy Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 382 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

485th of 871 rated healthcare providers


Job description

OVERVIEW

The Adult Protective Services (APS) Case Worker, works in the Older Adult Care Department of Mercyhealth at Home for the APS program. The APS Case Worker adheres to the program rules, guidelines and policies set forth by the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA). The APS Caseworker conducts investigations of Abuse, Neglect, Abandonment, Financial Exploitation and/or Self-Neglect for adults 60yrs or older and adults 18y/o - 59y/o with a disability who reside in a domestic setting or a facility per PA100-0641. The APS Case Worker develops a written plan of care to mitigate the risk of abuse, implements needed services as appropriate and provides follow up services on an individual basis. The APS Case Worker has ongoing communication with the APS Supervisor and or the APS Lead Caseworker during the entire time a case is open.

Schedule: 40 hours/week

Shift: Days

Location: Mercyhealth Physician Clinic-Rockton, Rockford, Illinois

Pay Range: $19.53/hr - $31.24/hr

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Conducts investigations of abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial exploitation and/or self-neglect within the specified time frame as set forth by the Illinois Department on Aging's (IDOA) Organization Standards and Responsibilities. Interviews alleged victims, alleged perpetrators, family members, providers and other collaterals as required.
  • Provides Case Work activities for clients and families: assesses client needs, develops a case plan and links clients to resources. Monitors the resources/interventions put in place to ensure needs are being met.
  • Provides follow-up activities on a monthly basis which includes coordinating care/services for the client, evaluating if current services are sufficient and assessing the risk for future abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial exploitation or self-neglect issues.
  • Completes the paperwork required by the IDoA Adult Protective Services program accurately and in a timely manner.
  • Negotiates difficult family situations using a variety of interview/assessment skills and involves the APS Supervisor or Lead Caseworker when appropriate.
  • Utilizes the court system for judicial procedures such as Orders of Protection, Evictions, Guardianships or the like. Prepares the case and oneself to testify in court as necessary.
  • Coordinates with Waiver services such as Aging, DHS/DRS, DHS/DDD, MCO and the like per IDoA policies.
  • Participates in monthly M-Team meetings by presenting a case when scheduled to do so, offering constructive input to the group and incorporating recommendations in the Client's case plan when appropriate. In addition, the APS Caseworker will take minutes when assigned and turn these in to the APS Supervisor or other designated staff within two weeks after the meeting.
  • Participates in Staff meetings: monthly APS meetings, monthly Older Adult Services all-dept meetings, as well as all-agency meetings, offering constructive input when appropriate.
  • Participates in IDoA and Mercyhealth required activities.
  • Completes annual required educational requirements for both IDoA/APS and Mercyhealth.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's or Graduate Degree in health or human services, social work, health care administration, gerontology, criminal justice, or nursing.

OR

An associate degree from an accredited program in health, nursing, social services, social work, health care administration, gerontology, disability studies, criminal justice or public administration and four years' experience in health or human services.

OR

An active licensed practical nurse license, with one year experience in health or human services

OR

Four years' experience with law enforcement or criminal investigation

OR

An approved waiver of educational requirements for intake workers and case aides through the IDoA

AND

Minimum three years of experience with assessment of needs for older adults (60+years) or those 18-59 who have a disability, preferred.

The ability to negotiate difficult family situations using a variety of interview/assessment skills preferred.

CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE

Must attend Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) Adult Protective Services Caseworker Certification Trainings Phase I, Simulation Training and Phase II and pass the test, as well as any other mandatory training as required by IDoA.

Current CPR certification; or obtain through Mercyhealth within 6 months of hire.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Must be able to speak and write the English language proficiently

Must be able to follow written/oral instructions

PAY RANGE:

$19.53 - $31.24

Mercyhealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Mercyhealth offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision

  • Life & Disability Insurance

  • FSA/HSA Options

  • Generous, accruing paid time off

  • Paid Parental and caregiver leave

  • Career advancement and educational opportunities

  • Tuition and certification reimbursement

  • Certification Reimbursement

  • Well-being Programs

  • Employee Discounts

  • On-Demand Pay

  • Financial Education

  • Annual recognition/awards events

  • Partner appreciation days

  • Family entertainment/attractions discount

  • Community service/improvement opportunities

Click here for more details regarding Mercyhealth Careers Benefit Information.

At Mercyhealth, we don't simply hire people, we empower employee-partners who are passionate about making lives better. As an integrated health system, we deliver exceptional, coordinated across seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and a team of over 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.

Mercyhealth has been nationally recognized for our commitment to our people and culture, including:

  • #1 in the nation on AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50

  • One of Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers

  • A Top 50 Company and Top 10 Nonprofit for Executive Women


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About Mercyhealth

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Mercyhealth, we don’t simply hire people – instead, we empower talented, dedicated health care professionals to provide the highest quality patient care possible with a passion for making lives better. As an integrated health care provider, we provide exceptional, coordinated health care. The organization consists of seven hospitals, 85+ clinics, and more than 7,500 employee-partners to serve patients in 15 counties throughout northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. We hope you’ll consider becoming the newest member of the Mercyhealth family and join our passion for making lives better!

Industry

Hospitals, fitness and sports centers and health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Janesville, WI, US