COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Child Protective Services Fellowship Program (OCPSF) will receive a $2 million investment to further the program.
OCPSF began in 2022 by Wood County Job and Family Services, aiming to partner with colleges and universities to reach out to students closing in on their college careers. Through the program, college seniors majoring in human services-related fields apply to work part-time at county public children service agencies (PCSA). At these agencies, students receive training and hands-on experience.
With the new $2 million investment in the fellowship, students will now be able to earn $15 an hour for up to 26 hours per week, attracting more to apply. In addition to the pay, students will gain immediate experience with caseworker responsibilities including transporting clients, attending home visits, court hearings and much more.
"We believe the expansion of the Ohio Child Protective Services Fellowship Program will help us energize a new generation of college graduates to enter this critically needed and highly rewarding field," Ohio Department of Children and Youth Director Kara B. Wente said.
The investment will also nearly double the number of participating PCSAs all over Ohio, growing the fellowship from 19 to 35 counties.
Any Ohio college or university students majoring in a human services field is welcome to apply. To participate, students must be able to commute to a county PCSA with an available fellowship position.
View the list of participating counties and learn more about how to apply here.
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