Hiring Now!

Are you inspired to see children and families thrive and want to work with culturally mindful, dedicated professionals? This may be the place for you!

Watch Child Welfare Services workers tell you about their jobs.

Who We Are

San Diego County Child Welfare Services (CWS) is committed to strengthening families by providing trauma-informed prevention and protection services to vulnerable children, their families, and communities across the county to reduce child abuse and neglect.

Our vision is that every child grows up safe and nurtured. Our trained staff support families and communities in developing plans and making decisions to keep children safe.

Positions

We hire for positions at varying levels, depending on experience. We also hire student workers, administrative and support positions. A career in social work with the County of San Diego can be both rewarding and life-long. You’ll have many opportunities to progress from entry-level positions to supervisory and leadership levels.

See detailed descriptions of these jobs.

Protective Services Worker

A protective services worker ensures the safety and well-being of children by:

• Assessing and investigating allegations of abuse or neglect
• Assisting families with developing plans to safely maintain children at home
• Placing children in protective custody when they are unable to remain in their home safely

Does a career in Child Welfare Services seem like the right fit for you? Watch the Is a career as a Protective Services Worker right for you? video before applying.

Social Worker I

A social worker I:

• Assesses and provides referrals and information on services to families that may assist the family in their efforts to provide a safe, nurturing home
• Performs casework services such as writing reports, letters and case summaries
• Supervises visits between children and families
• Transports children to appointments

Residential Care Worker

This role works with children from birth to age 17 at the Polinsky Children’s Center, a 24-hour temporary emergency shelter care facility for children separated from their families for their own safety or when parents cannot provide care. Employees at Polinsky provide a consistent, high level of care as well as ensure the health, safety and well-being of children at all times.

We Support a Culturally Diverse Workforce

Both the County of San Diego and Child Welfare Services are deeply committed to hiring a diverse and inclusive workforce. Our goal is to create culturally responsive practices, promote an inclusive workplace and demonstrate cultural responsiveness. Learn more about our efforts to advance diversity and inclusion.

How to Apply

To apply for all open positions including those above, you must apply online on the Department of Human Resources job postings site. For more information, call 858-514-3148.

General Requirements for CWS Staff

Background Clearance

Applicants must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Misdemeanor and/or felony convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and recency. Prior to appointment, candidates will be subject to a background investigation.

Volunteer with CWS

Camp Connect

Each year, Camp Connect organizes a fun-filled four-day summer camp in the mountains of Julian. The camp provides siblings in foster care, who are placed in separate homes, the opportunity to reconnect and gain support from each other.

To learn more about Camp Connect, to volunteer or to provide support, contact Christy Mader at (858) 751-6613 or christy@promises2kids.org.

Jessie's Angels (Polinsky Volunteer Program)

Provide comfort, care and a variety of activities for children from infant to age 17 who are living temporarily at the A.B. Jessie Polinsky Children's Center.

E-mail Elizabeth Rosas or phone (858) 874-1058.

Volunteers must be at least 21 years old and cannot have a criminal history. It is the policy of the Health and Human Services Agency that all its programs, aids, and services are available to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, political affiliation, religion, sex, marital status, disability or age.

For more information phone 858-874-1058 or send us an email.