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If you have a degree in social work, psychology or a related field, you may be eligible to become part of a nationally recognized department that provides services to enhance the self-sufficiency of families and improves safety and permanency for children and vulnerable adults.
Become part of a dynamic learning organization that adapts to changing community needs and challenges. The Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) offers a competitive starting salary, no-cost health coverage for single employees and other benefits including retirement, life insurance, paid holidays and vacation and sick leave.
A position with DCBS is more than just a job, it is a career where you can make a real difference in the lives of Kentucky’s families.
For more information contact hiremedcbs@ky.gov or (877) 322-7636. You may also use the form below to contact a representative.
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Public Child Welfare Certification Program (PCWCP)
The Public Child Welfare Certification Program is a pre-employment recruitment, preparation and retention process for undergraduate social work students who will serve in the Department for Community Based Services’ child welfare program.
Selected bachelor level social work students at 11 universities (eight public, three private) receive tuition, a stipend and special preparation for public child welfare work in Kentucky. Students have a two-year employment commitment to DCBS.
These undergraduate students, jointly selected by DCBS and the participating university, attend courses that have been jointly designed by the faculty of the universities and the training staff of the department.
These courses reflect the basic training received by new employees in DCBS’ Division of Protection and Permanency. This class work is supplemented by practicums in local DCBS offices and two annual retreats, where additional training is provided. The classes are connected by interactive television. A range of university instructors lead the classes.
The program has proven to be extremely successful, with post graduation retention rates of more than 90 percent in the first two years and an average of retention rate of more than 70 percent in the first seven years of the program.
PCWCP graduates have better attitudes toward their work and provide better casework services. Supervisors rate the graduates very highly in their preparation for the pressures of the job and their overall work performance.
Since the beginning of the program, there has been a 74 percent usage rate of the scholarships available. An intensified recruitment effort is under way to increase the number of participants, and a transition program has been introduced to allow additional agency training and on the job practice prior to final agency hiring.
For more information please contact: Sarah.Williams@eku.edu at (859) 622-2312. Please do not use the form below for PCWCP inquiries.