Child Protection Worker

Education - Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or related University degree with experience



A Child Protection Worker is responsible for investigating all initial referrals for child abuse, neglect and maltreatment.


The role demands a keen sense of awareness and compassion, as this is the first person to have direct contact with the children.


Child protection involves a team approach at FACS-Elgin, with certain staff handling county referrals and certain staff responsible for city investigations.


It is a collaborative effort in which we are all working together in the best interest of the children. It is a large responsibility.


When a referral comes in, a series of interviews are commenced.


The children, parents, caregivers and anyone who plays a significant role in that child’s life is interviewed. If it is an abuse allegation, we take immediate action and work collectively with the police. The safety of the child is always our paramount concern.”


Each case is different, but depending on the severity of the allegation, it takes a maximum of seven days to make contact with the children.


Child protection workers are continually faced with difficult decisions that dramatically alter people’s lives.


Knowing that you created a safe environment for a child is a wonderful feeling. Helping families offers long-term rewards.


Unfortunately abuse is an ongoing issue. It never stops, which makes the role of a child protection worker increasingly important. We're there to protect children - first and always.



Qualifications & Skills

child and family assessment, diagnostic and investigatory skills competence in developing time limited goals and objectives as part of a case plan demonstrated high level assessment comfort in the use of authority in a child welfare setting an understanding of the principles of family systems theory and how this applies to service delivery in family ventred child welfare ability to engage clients in individual and family counselling strong belief in family centered child welfare practice including family preservation and permanence for children proven ability to provide high quality written reports within established deadlines proven ability to work as a team member energetic aptitude for initiating various creative approaches to case-related problem-solving.