If you're passionate about child welfare, becoming a child protective services (CPS) worker could be a fulfilling career for you.
Social workers assist and advocate for children in abusive or neglected circumstances.
Typically, you will need at least a bachelor's degree to start your career with CPS. A master's degree in social work gives you greater flexibility.
What Is a CPS Worker?
CPS workers work in state agencies and respond to reports that children are being abused or neglected.
Based on interviews and observations, CPS workers are responsible for determining whether to allow children to remain in their homes.
Job Duties
When someone files a report with CPS about abuse or neglect, a CPS worker opens a case and investigates the situation.
This typically involves interviewing the children involved and adults around them, including parents, neighbors, and teachers.
The CPS worker also evaluates the child's living conditions and makes recommendations for improvement.
Ultimately, the CPS worker decides whether the child should be temporarily or permanently removed from their home.
Generally, CPS agencies favor keeping family units intact. When this isn't possible, CPS workers may assist in finding foster families.
Education and Training
Most CPS workers have at least a bachelor's degree in a discipline related to social work or child development.
On–the–job training primarily focuses on learning the specific agency procedures and requirements for reports.
Entry–level CPS workers often work alongside an experienced CPS worker for their first few cases.
Experience working as a daycare worker or camp counselor can help a CPS worker better relate to the children they serve.
Personal Traits
If you want to be an effective and successful CPS worker, you need more than a specific education.
Working with abused and neglected children is incredibly stressful. The right personal traits can protect you from burnout.
The strongest CPS workers are empathetic. They understand how people feel and can help them through tough situations.
CPS workers are also flexible and open–minded. They are willing to look at painful situations in a non–judgmental way.
Because working in child protective services is so draining, effective CPS workers use self–care techniques to rebound quickly.
How to Become a CPS Worker: Step by Step
Read on to learn more about the education and training requirements to become a child protective services worker.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree
Most CPS workers have a bachelor's degree, which is required for licensing in many states.
Typically, CPS workers have degrees in psychology, social work, child development, family studies, or sociology.
Many CPS workers also have degrees in more law–focused disciplines, such as criminal justice, law enforcement, or community development.
In some states, you can become a CPS worker with an associate degree. You'll also need at least two years of relevant work experience.
Step 2: Gain an Entry–Level Position at a CPS Agency
Because CPS agents are susceptible to burnout, turnover at CPS agencies is typically very high.
For this reason, it's usually not too difficult to get an entry–level position at a CPS agency.
If you have decent grades and some experience working with children, you shouldn't have any difficulty finding a position.
Some states do require you to register or get licensed with the state before you can start working as a CPS agent.
Step 3: Earn a Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW)
While a master's degree in social work typically isn't required to work for a CPS agency, many CPS agents pursue this degree.
An MSW is usually required for supervisory or managerial positions within the CPS agency.
CPS workers with master's degrees also typically start at a higher pay grade and are eligible for larger pay increases.
As a social worker, you also have the opportunity to pursue other social work positions that might not be as stressful.
Step 4: Become a Licensed Social Worker
Having an MSW entitles you to become a licensed social worker. Before you can get a license, you'll typically have to pass a written exam.
Most licenses also require a set number of supervised hours in social work. This internship is included in your master's program.
A license opens the door to many other employment opportunities that are less stressful and better paying.
Licensed social workers also work for nonprofit organizations and community projects where they can really make a difference.
Step 5: Maintain Your License Through Continuing Education
As a licensed social worker, your state requires you to take continuing education courses each year to keep your license in good standing.
These courses keep you informed and up to date on the latest issues in social work and child welfare.
Through continuing education, you'll also learn about changes to state and federal law that affect your work.
Each state's specific requirements differ. Your licensing board will tell you how many hours are required and where you can take courses.
Salary and Job Outlook for a Child Protective Services Worker
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups CPS workers together with other child, family, and school social workers.
The salary of a child protective services worker was, on average, $56,680 in 2022, according to the BLS.
CPS workers in New Jersey, Connecticut, New York, the District of Columbia, and Maryland tend to earn higher than the national average.
Demand for child, family, and school social workers is expected to increase by 9% from 2021 to 2031, a rate higher than average.
Alaska, South Dakota, the District of Columbia, Oklahoma, and Nebraska have the highest concentrations of social workers.
Learn About Becoming a CPS Worker Today
Reach out to Best Accredited Colleges today if you're ready to get started in a career as a CPS worker.
