The Ohio Protective Services Fellowship Program
Overview:
The Ohio Protective Services Fellowship Program offers Juniors and Seniors an opportunity to explore a career in Child Protective Services. This two-semester commitment provides hands-on experience working alongside professionals in the field.
What You’ll Do:
- On-the-Job Experience: Work between 20 and 26 hours per week in participating counties with flexible scheduling while earning $15 per hour.
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Professional Training:
- Complete the Child Protective Services Core training (typically held virtually in the evening), a mandatory requirement for all CPS workers in Ohio.
- Opportunity to be certified in conducting toxicology screens.
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Skill Development:
- Learn report taking, documentation, investigations, case management, and safety assessment for children and families.
- Develop key professional skills including time management, critical thinking, and problem solving.
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Field Exposure:
- Accompany experienced CPS workers on home visits, office visits, interviews, court hearings, and meetings.
- Supervise visitation, transportation, and perform low-level case management duties.
Who Should Apply:
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For Bachelor’s Degree Candidates: Juniors and Seniors pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in human service related fields such as Criminal Justice/Criminology, Psychology, Sociology, or Family Studies.
- Note: Bachelor-level Social Work majors are not eligible.
- For Associate’s Degree Candidates: Students pursuing an Associate’s Degree in human service related fields such as Criminal Justice/Criminology, Psychology, Sociology, or Family Studies. Associate’s level Social Work student are eligible.
Why Apply:
- Gain real-world experience in a vital public service area.
- Enhance your resume with professional training and hands-on experience.
- Build a network of professionals in the Child Protective Services field while making a positive impact in your community.
- Be hired as a county employee, opening doors to long-term career opportunities in Child Protective Services.
- Receive up to $1,000 in incentive awards available to reward outstanding performance and obtaining full employment after program completion.
How to Apply:
For additional details and to submit your application, please visit OhioCPSFellowship.org or contact our Fellowship Team at OhioCPSFellowship@jfs.ohio.gov
