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Protective Services Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Protective Services Investigations of abuse, neglect and exploitation, guardianship studies and ... Chapter 10 of the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure regulations defines a field related ...

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Protective Services Worker information

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How much do protective services worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for protective services worker in the United States is $23.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a protective services worker?

Protective Services Workers are professionals who help ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals, such as children, the elderly, or those with disabilities. They investigate reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation and provide support, intervention, and resources to protect clients from harm. These workers often collaborate with law enforcement, healthcare providers, and social services agencies to develop safety plans and connect people with appropriate services. Their roles are crucial in safeguarding at-risk populations and advocating for their rights.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a protective services worker?

To thrive as a Protective Services Worker, you need a background in social work or a related field, strong case management skills, and knowledge of child or adult welfare laws, typically supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with case management software, state reporting systems, and documentation tools is essential for handling caseloads effectively. Strong interpersonal communication, cultural sensitivity, and resilience under pressure are standout soft skills for this role. These qualifications are crucial for ensuring client safety, making sound decisions in crisis situations, and facilitating positive outcomes for vulnerable populations.

What are some common challenges faced by protective services workers, and how can they effectively manage them?

Protective Services Workers often encounter emotionally charged situations, such as working with at-risk children or families in crisis. Navigating high caseloads and making difficult decisions under time pressure are also frequent challenges. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and regular self-care are essential for managing the emotional toll and maintaining professional boundaries. Support from supervisors and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams can help alleviate stress and improve outcomes for clients.

What is the difference between Protective Services Worker vs Security Guard?

AspectProtective Services WorkerSecurity Guard
CredentialsVaries by role, often includes certifications in first aid, CPR, or specific protective services trainingTypically requires a security license or certification depending on state laws
Work EnvironmentCommunity settings, social service agencies, correctional facilities, or healthcare environmentsPrivate or public property, commercial buildings, events, or residential complexes
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, social service organizations, healthcare providersPrivate security firms, corporations, or property management companies

Protective Services Workers focus on safeguarding individuals and communities through social services, whereas Security Guards primarily protect property and assets. Both roles require certifications and operate in security-related environments, but their duties and settings differ significantly.

Is it hard to become a protective services worker?

Becoming a protective services worker typically requires completing relevant training, passing background checks, and obtaining any necessary certifications or licenses. The difficulty varies depending on the specific role and jurisdiction, but it generally involves meeting certain eligibility criteria and gaining experience in security or law enforcement skills.

What are protective services worker jobs?

Protective services worker jobs involve providing safety and support to vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities. These roles often include assessing needs, developing safety plans, and coordinating with other agencies, requiring strong communication skills and relevant certifications. Workers typically operate in community settings, social service agencies, or government departments.

What cities are hiring for Protective Services Worker jobs?

Cities with the most Protective Services Worker job openings:

What states have the most Protective Services Worker jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Protective Services Worker jobs?

For Protective Services Worker jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Protective Services Worker 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 $49,095 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICE WORKER I-IV

Keene, NH • On-site

State of New Hampshire
Public Administration • 5 - 10K employees

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


State Of New Hampshire rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Stateof New Hampshire Job Posting
Department of Health and Human Services
Division for Children, Youth, and Families
Keene District Office
CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICE WORKER I-IV
Assessment & Family Services
Child Protective Service Worker I- $22.50-$30.02
Child Protective Service Worker II $25.40- $34.14
Child Protective Service Worker III $28.74-$38.85
Child Protective Service Worker IV $31.33-$42.60
*The certification level identified by the DHHS Human Resource Office is based upon the minimum qualifications. Upon consideration of the applicants relevant work experience, interview, and the Supplemental Job Description, the DCYF hiring manager will determine the level a candidate will be hired at.
*See total compensation information at the bottom of announcement.
The State of New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services, Division for Children, Youth, and Families has a full-time vacancy for Child Protective Service Worker I-IV.
SUMMARY:
Previewing the RJP is required in order to proceed with the hiring process. Please click on the link to view the realistic job preview. https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/news-events/multimedia#real-job
After viewing, please complete the required Disclosure Statement to submit with your application.
ASSESSMENT DETAILED DESCRIPTION:
Performs entry-level protective services casework in investigating and assessing reports of alleged abuse/neglect of children under RSA 169-C for NH Division for Children, Youth and Families and provide for the safety of children and the welfare of families while promoting the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Upholds the vision and mission of the agency through utilizing the Practice Model theories, beliefs and principles in daily practice.
As the level moves from I to IV, the complexity of the casework becomes more challenging, however the scope remains the same.
FAMILY SERVICES DETAILED DESCRIPTION:
Performs entry level protective services casework to coordinate, manage and administer services for children and families including, maintaining children in the home safely, strengthening families for reunification, providing permanency for children in care and working closely with various community agencies while promoting the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Upholds the vision and mission of the agency through utilizing the Practice Model theories, beliefs and principles in daily practice.
As the level moves from I to IV, the complexity of the casework becomes more challenging, however the scope remains the same.
YOUR EXPERIENCE COUNTS: Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience and/or each additional year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Experience:
CPSW I Equivalent combination of 2.5 years of education and experience after completion of high school. Education and experience must be in social work, professional case management, psychology, social psychology, sociology, human services, criminal justice, behavioral science, cultural anthropology, counseling, pastoral counseling, divinity, education, or a related field.
CPSW II Associate's degree and 2 years of experience OR equivalent combination of 4 years of education and experience after completion of high school. Education and experience must be in social work, professional case management, psychology, social psychology, sociology, human services, criminal justice, behavioral science, cultural anthropology, counseling, pastoral counseling, divinity, education, or a related field.
CPSW III Bachelor's degree and 1.5 years of experience OR equivalent combination of 5.5 years of education and experience after completion of high school. Education and experience must be in social work, professional case management, psychology, social psychology, sociology, human services, criminal justice, behavioral science, cultural anthropology, counseling, pastoral counseling, divinity, education, or related field.
CPSW IV Bachelor's degree and 3 years of experience OR equivalent combination of 7 years of education and experience after completion of high school. Education and experience must be in social work, professional case management, psychology, social psychology, sociology, human services, criminal justice, behavioral science, cultural anthropology, counseling, pastoral counseling, divinity, education, or related field
License/Certification: Valid driver's license or access to transportation
Other Requirements:
Must be available for non-traditional work hours to meet the needs of client families and children in their homes and other public locations.
Trainee Option: Not applicable
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience in human services or education field working with children and/or families.
AFTER-HIRE REQUIREMENTS: Must successfully complete the CPSW Academy within 12 months of hire
CAREER ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
In-Band Advancement Available: ☐ Yes ☒ No Criteria:
Broad Group Level Advancement Available: ☒ Yes ☐ No
Criteria: 21102002BGA01 (CPSW to Level 3)
For promotion from the 21-1020 Social Workers-2 job title to the 21-1020 Social Workers-3 job title, and use of the "Child Protective Service Worker II" working title, the eligibility requirements in Personnel Rule 303.08 Broad Group Level Advancement must be satisfied, as well as the following criteria:
Must have successfully completed the CPSW Academy
Must receive a satisfactory performance evaluation and be free of discipline, pursuant to Personnel Rule 1003.01, for one (1) year immediately prior to promotion
Must receive a performance-based recommendation from the Supervisor and approval from the CPS Field Administrator
21102003BGA02 (CPSW to Level 4)
For promotion from the 21-1020 Social Workers-3 job title to the 21-1020 Social Workers-4 job title, and use of the "Child Protective Service Worker III" working title, the eligibility requirements in Personnel Rule 303.08 Broad Group Level Advancement must be satisfied, as well as the following criteria:
Must have successfully completed the CPSW Academy
Must receive a satisfactory performance evaluation and be free of discipline, pursuant to Personnel Rule 1003.01, for one (1) year immediately prior to promotion
Must receive a performance-based recommendation from the Supervisor and approval from the CPS Field Administrator
21102004BGA02 (CPSW to Level 5)
For promotion from the 21-1020 Social Workers-4 job title to the 21-1020 Social Workers-5 job title, and use of the "Child Protective Service Worker IV" working title, the eligibility requirements in Personnel Rule 303.08 Broad Group Level Advancement must be satisfied, as well as the following criteria:
Must have successfully completed the CPSW Academy and the formal mentoring program
Must receive a satisfactory performance evaluation and be free of discipline, pursuant to Personnel Rule 1003.01, for one (1) year immediately prior to promotion
Must be up to date with all case records
Must receive a performance-based recommendation from the Supervisor and approval from the CPS Field Administrator
DISCLAIMERS:
The supplemental job description lists the essential functions of the position and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that job title.
When applicable, the work of an employee in trainee status in this position shall be overseen by a fully qualified individual. An employee in trainee status shall meet the minimum qualifications within the period of time specified on the SJD, not to exceed one year of being hired into this position.
Responsibilities:
ASSESSMENT I-IV DETAILED TASKS (AGENCY/POSITION-SPECIFIC):
I-IV - Establishes and develops relationships with children and their families to assess and secure immediate safety of the child and prevent further abuse/neglect.
I-IV - Conducts basic interviews of the victim and perpetrator in the report within prescribed time frames according to the risk to the child and validity of the report. Evaluates the risk to the child to remain in the home and recommends course of action. Level I, basic interviews with supervisory direction. Level II, may conduct forensic interviews with supervisory direction. Level III, conducts forensic interviews with minimal supervisory direction. Level IV, conducts forensic interviews and demonstrates advanced skills in professional interviewing techniques.
I-IV - Works collaboratively with community agencies including law enforcement, school and medical personnel as it relates to the investigation, provision of services and in accordance with the current AG protocols.
I-IV - Makes reasonable efforts to maintain the child in the family by preparing a safety plan with the family to remedy the abusive/neglectful situation.
I-IV - Arranges for in-home services to families when it is determined the abuse or neglect allegations are founded and the child can remain safely in the home with agreement by the family that they will cooperate with a case plan. Documents evidence to substantiate reports of child abuse and neglect in order to support the court petition.
I-IV - Locates suitable alternative placement to meet specific child/children's needs and in conjunction with policy and practice guidelines and prepares the child and family for the child/children's placement. Facilitates placement and coordinates visitations with the family and transports children and client families to necessary appointments.
I-IV - Develops a case record and completes all required documentation which includes the safety plan, court reports and all necessary Bridges documentation of case related activities. Level I, works under the direction of and review by the supervisor. II, has supervisory oversight, III has minimal review by the supervisor and IV is independent of the supervisor.
I-III - Works under direct and close supervisor and receives regularly scheduled weekly supervision. Level II, May serve as a mentor for newly hired staff or supervise an intern. Level III, May serve as a mentor for newly hired staff or supervise a student intern. May provide supervision to other staff at the request of the supervisor.
IV - Demonstrates independent decision-making ability and in the absence of the supervisor may assume responsibility for administration of daily business operations. Also demonstrates and can articulate leadership skills and ability and is a positive influence to other employees. Receives regularly scheduled supervision at a minimum of every two weeks. Serves as a mentor and may supervise interns. Exercises authority over subordinate staff and provides supervision at the request of the supervisor
I-IV - Completes training requirements according to policy including individual training plan and 30 hours of in-service training annually after completion of Child Protective Service Worker (CPSW) Academy.
I-IV - May provide outside education and information sessions with various agencies in the community in collaboration with the DCYF Speakers Bureau.
FAMILY SERVICES I-IV DETAILED TASKS (AGENCY/POSITION-SPECIFIC):
I-IV - Possesses basic knowledge of the principles of case management in order to manage a caseload, prepares and develops Solution Based case plans in conjunction with the family to ensure that objectives and tasks are being achieved, that court orders are being complied with, when applicable, in accordance with State and Federal Statute. Level II possesses fundamental knowledge. Level III possesses advanced knowledge. Level IV possesses advanced knowledge and manages an increasingly complex caseload.
I-IV - Establishes and develops relationships with children and their families in home; arranges and provides services to prevent further abuse/neglect and to enable the child to remain safely in his/her home and maintains contact according to policy. Levels I&II are under the direction of the supervisor.
I-IV - Establishes and maintains relationships with children in placement and their families and arranges and provides services to enable children to return home, and makes other alternative permanent plans if appropriate under the direction of the supervisor. Maintains contact with these children and families according to policy including transporting children and families as necessary. As the Level increases there is less supervisory oversight.
I-IV - Develops, recommends, implements, monitors, and evaluates family treatment and case plans in collaboration with other community stakeholders. Also responds to crisis situations in regards to a variety of case management situations, under the guidance and direction of the supervisor. Level III, requires maintaining control in intense and controversial situations and able to independently prioritize work demands under minimal direction of the supervisor. Level IV requires that they also independently prioritize work demands.
I-IV - Completes all required documentation, including case plans, court reports and all necessary Bridges documentation of case related activities.
I-IV - Facilitates effective and timely permanency through concurrent planning that supports children, families and caregivers, and assures that connections are maintained and that children do not leave care without a viable permanent connection.
I-IV - Ensures that children and youth in placement obtain the preparation, resources and positive youth development they need to establish connections with caring adults and become healthy, self sufficient and successful adults.
I-III - Works under direct and close supervisor and receives regularly scheduled weekly supervision. Level II, May serve as a mentor for newly hired staff or supervise an intern. Level III, May serve as a mentor for newly hired staff or supervise a student intern. May provide supervision to other staff at the request of the supervisor.
IV - Demonstrates independe

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