Department of Civil Service

Health and Human Services - Social Work

Salary Range

NYC Metro - From $51,012 to $64,417
Rest of State - From $47,925 to $61,330

(Salary may differ from what is listed for an agency and/or location. See HELP job postings for specific salary.)

Career Ladder Information

Below is a listing of titles that are most commonly used as steps for upward mobility for this title series.

As a Child Protective Services Specialist Trainee, you would receive reports of suspected child abuse and maltreatment via the New York Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment telephone hot line. You would screen calls for appropriateness, evaluate the information, and prepare and transmit reported cases to local social services districts. You would also provide technical assistance to local district staff; participate in various monitoring functions; provide information and referrals to concerned individuals and agencies; and screen applicants for potential employment in child care, day care, and related positions in accordance with the Social Service Law. The duties of the position require that individuals possess good verbal communication skills and the ability to cope with often anxious and upset callers. The New York Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment is a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week operation. Child Protective Services Specialist 1’s are initially assigned to evening and night shifts and may be required to work weekends and holidays. Assignments to the day shift will be made based on seniority. Traineeship: As a Child Protective Services Specialist Trainee, you will be required to participate in and satisfactorily complete all requirements of a 12-month traineeship program before you can advance to a Child Protective Services Specialist 1. Upon initial appointment, an appointee’s performance in the trainee position and in prescribed training and development programs will be observed and evaluated. The prescribed training and development program will include extensive on-the-job training and carefully designed and monitored work experience. An appointee not meeting required standards can be terminated at any time after the initial eight weeks and before completion of the traineeship. Upon successful completion of the traineeship probationary period, trainees will be advanced to Child Protective Services Specialist 1 (SG-16).

• Office of Children & Family Services

Either 1. A bachelor's degree or higher in any field;

Or 2. An associate's degree in any field AND two years of experience in the direct provision of child welfare programs, such as prevention, foster care or adoption services. This experience MUST include analyzing information and conducting assessments to gather information and to identify the strengths and weaknesses of children and families; developing service plans that support and address the families? needs; implementing service plans by providing direct support and/or coordinating with other agencies to provide services aimed at the families? needs; and monitoring the provision of services and determining when it is appropriate to close the case;

Or 3. Four years of experience in the direct provision of child welfare programs, such as prevention, foster care or adoption services. This experience MUST include analyzing information and conducting assessments to gather information and to identify the strengths and weaknesses of children and families; developing service plans that support and address the families? needs; implementing service plans by providing direct support and/or coordinating with other agencies to provide services aimed at the families? needs; and monitoring the provision of services and determining when it is appropriate to close the case.