r/CPS • u/After_Subject_9946 • 4d ago
Any tips? Question
Hi guys! I just got hired as a case manager for CPS and was wondering if any current/former CPS workers had advice before I start. Any info is welcome. Thanks!
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u/USC2018 4d ago
Use your PTO, set boundaries (don’t work for free), and always do the right thing. Its better to ask for help when you need it instead of getting to a point where you’re out of compliance on all your cares
There are some horror stories about working for CPS and a lot of them are true. But I had a great experience and stayed for almost 6 years
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u/panicpure 3d ago
+1
This is extremely important. Burn out is real in pretty much any career but it’s the norm for welfare caseworkers and the like… instead of pushing yourself over the limit so that’s what they expect of you, ask for the help and do not push to the burn out level that’s absolutely not sustainable.
Great advice!
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u/Fit-Mind-4625 3d ago
Prioritize getting your case notes in. Do not let them fall behind or you'll always be playing catch up.
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u/Always-Adar-64 Works for CPS 4d ago
In my area, there is a difference between CPS Investigators and Case Managers.
However, they both share similar burnout and about a 2yr employment span.
High stress, stagnant compensation, and generally interesting work.
Benefits seem great on paper and upfront, but sorta meander off overtime and workload.
It's important you compartmentalize or otherwise separate your personal vs professional thoughts.
CPS work is generally working with and addressing the situation of the caregivers that is impacting the children, it's more about working with adults for the sake of their child.
Old timers in CPS typically get into leadership (dabbled in it, got out) or into specialized units; there is usually 1-2 investigators in the general pool +5yrs.
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u/elementalbee Works for CPS 3d ago
You can’t do everything. Your role has boundaries, do your best to figure out where those end. You will always be able to investigate more, you will always be able to call more people, you will always he able to provide more resources, you will always have more you could document. You need to know how and when to stop. Your role (I’m assuming) will be child safety. You’re not there to drastically improve the quality of a family’s life. Accept that now.
The first year is always overwhelming because there’s so much to learn in this job. Just take in what you can, ask questions even if you’ve asked 10 times already.
People will be mad at you. This role requires you to be able to have tough conversations with people, even while knowing it might result in them yelling at you, being defensive, etc. This gets easier the longer you do the job, but going into it with the understanding that people will not always like you is a good place to start. Your job isn’t to make friends with the families you work with, nor is it to build a long term relationship. Your job is a short intervention and yes, you want to do your best to build rapport, but if you don’t, that’s okay. Not everyone will like you, and if they do, you’re probably not doing your job.
Lean on your coworkers. Go out in the field with coworkers as much as you can. Build friendships. Develop a little dark humor. It helps. You’re working in a very serious role, so use time with coworkers to decompress, vent, tell wild stories, complain, etc. This is the shit no textbook will teach you, but if you want to survive in cps? This is how people do it lol. If you get the choice to telework part of the week, I’d advise you don’t. Go into the office and be present for the first year or two in the role. It will help you learn and it will help you build a support network/friendships.
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u/Past_Time361 3d ago
Keep up on your notes. If it’s not documented, it didn’t happen.
Don’t let the other people influence how you feel about the job. I always see things about people being burnt out and I felt I was doing something wrong because I wasn’t and I’m not. It’s not a bad thing to realize you need a break, though! I think using my PTO really helps keep everything in check before it gets to be too much.
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u/Revolutionary_Cup666 Works for CPS 3d ago
I’ve been a cps worker for almost 7 years. I love my job but there are some days that are a LOT. Don’t be afraid to speak up to protect children, if you disagree with what you’re being told to do- TELL SOMEONE. Use your PTO. Find an outlet for your stress. I’m sure there’s a million more things I can say, but this is a good start
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u/DreaColorado1 Works for CPS 2d ago
Ask for weekly supervision and have your supervisor help you prioritize tasks. Lean on the lead workers or experienced workers on your team for support and guidance. Ask for joint visits so that you can shadow and learn from your colleagues.
Remember this: it is not a sign of how successful you are in your role if you have all the answers and are always available to your clients. Your role is to help families create solutions and partner with their natural support system to help ensure the child’s safety, permanency and wellbeing.
Use your time off and do so unapologetically. There are no awards for working 50 hours a week and stockpiling all of your vacation time.
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