The social services sector is one of the most challenging fields. But it’s also one of the most rewarding. Serving children and families is life-changing, and integral to building strong communities.

At KVC Kentucky, our mission is to support children and families from all walks of life, and this is all made possible by the incredible team of therapists, specialists, and social workers who are our boots on the ground day in and day out. If you’re looking for a career through which you can make a real impact, KVC Kentucky is the place to do it!

Why Choose a Career in Child and Family Services?

With nearly 20% of Kentuckians living in poverty and struggling to meet basic family needs, plus higher than average rates of mental health challenges, Kentuckians are in need of supportive services. This has been KVC Kentucky’s mission for the last 25 years, and as we continue to grow, we can serve even more communities in Kentucky!

Not only does a career at KVC allow you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families, but it also gives you incredible job stability and career growth opportunities! Many top leaders at KVC started as social workers or therapists, taking their passion to the next level to guide us toward an even better future.

The longevity of careers for KVC workers speaks for itself, as we work hard every day to overcome social worker burnout with a supportive, inclusive and team-oriented work environment. KVC is committed to providing a work environment where you can do your best work and love coming to work every day. Based on the voice of our employees, KVC has a 82 Work Wellbeing score on Indeed. This rating is so rare that it places KVC among the TOP 1% of employers nationally!

Career Paths at KVC Kentucky

There are many paths to a rewarding and transformative career available at KVC Kentucky! Each of these four career paths offers ample opportunity for advancement within our organization, ensuring you’re always growing.

Counselors, Therapists and Behavioral Health Specialists

Whether a child or family comes to KVC Kentucky with behavioral health challenges or through the child welfare system, our focus is always on trauma-informed treatment and mental health support. Our wraparound approach means KVC therapists meet clients where they are, whether that be in the home, at school or even virtually.

If you have a master’s degree in social work or another related field and have a passion for mental and behavioral health treatment, this could be the perfect place to build a meaningful career! A variety of therapy-centered roles are available, from providing behavioral health assessments and treatment plans to working with families on an ongoing basis through multi-systemic therapy.

Not only is the salary for therapists at KVC Kentucky competitive based on degree and licensure status, we also provide extensive training on trauma-informed care and implementing the therapeutic models we use at KVC.

Family Support Workers and Case Managers

KVC Kentucky provides in-home, strengths-based services driven by a focus on the safety, permanency and well-being of children and families. To do this effectively, we need a dedicated team of family support workers and case managers dedicated to helping children and families in our community heal and thrive.

As a family support worker or case manager, you are the first line of communication and support for the families assigned to you, whether through family preservation, reunification, substance abuse treatment or behavioral healthcare. You are their biggest advocate and keep everyone aligned, from the clients to their care providers to DCBS (Department of Community Based Services) personnel and child welfare workers.

These social worker positions require a bachelor’s in social work or a related field, as well as a valid driver’s license and proof of auto insurance to ensure reliable transportation to client homes.

Administrative and Leadership Roles

While therapists and social workers are our boots on the ground, this important work wouldn’t be possible without our incredible behind-the-scenes team to manage essential administrative work and ensure all runs smoothly. 

From scheduling appointments and coordinating client services to handling documentation, compliance, and data management, their efforts ensure that families receive timely, high-quality care. Our administrative professionals also support billing, HR and technology systems, making it possible for our frontline teams to focus on what matters most: helping children and families thrive.

Beyond these essential functions, roles at KVC Kentucky also offer a pathway to leadership. Many of our team members have grown into management and executive roles by taking initiative, developing innovative solutions and strengthening operational processes. We encourage those in many positions to embrace leadership opportunities, seek professional development, and make an even greater impact on the lives of children and families. Every role is a vital part of our mission, and strong leaders emerge at every level!

“I started as a practicum student at KVC during college, returned as a Clinical Specialist after working in social work, and now serve as an Associate Director in the Northeastern Region. KVC has provided invaluable opportunities for growth, from evidence-based training to leadership development. Most rewarding is witnessing the resilience of the children and families we serve. As a former PCIT provider, I’ve seen caregivers strengthen bonds with their children and clinicians help families heal, instill hope and build resilience through FFT and TF-CBT. KVC’s support and compassion remind families they’re not alone, and I’m proud to be part of this mission.”— Whitney Dailey, MSW, LCSW

If you’re passionate about children and family services and interested in making high-level change, there are many opportunities to advance and become part of our leadership team! KVC leaders support our social work and behavioral health teams, and also are advocates for policy change and the ones looking at our services at a higher level to seek opportunities to improve and grow. If you join KVC Kentucky in any capacity, that could be you one day!

Skills and Qualifications

While the specific skills and qualifications may vary between positions (some of which were listed above), there are a few essentials we believe every children and family services worker needs to have an impactful and meaningful career:

Compassion and Empathy

The most important characteristics a children and family services worker can have are compassion and empathy! In this field, you will encounter many challenging situations and work with people from all backgrounds and experiences. Approaching every conversation and situation with a compassionate heart and desire to understand can transform your experience and the lives of those you work with at KVC Kentucky.

Strong Communication and Problem-Solving Skills

Every role at KVC Kentucky requires a high degree of communication and organization. From coordinating team meetings to taking in-depth notes and completing detailed documentation, details are vital to managing cases in child and family services.

Knowledge of Trauma-Informed Care and Mental Health Support

KVC Kentucky focuses on providing trauma-informed care and mental health support. While some experience in these fields is helpful right out the gate, we also provide new hires with extensive training on trauma-informed treatment and care to ensure each provider is equipped with the tools they need to best serve children and families in our care.

Hear From Our Team: Why KVC Kentucky is a Great Place to Work

At KVC Kentucky, our team is passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families. But don’t just take our word for it—hear from our employees about why they love working here!

A Culture of Growth & Learning
“Since joining KVC, I have been able to thrive in the environment. The staff is welcoming, and the leadership is supportive and amazing. I enjoy coming to work and being in a position where I can do what I love—helping Kentucky children and families.”

“KVC values my education and experience, treating me as an equal to more seasoned employees. I’ve had quality shadowing experiences that have truly prepared me for my role. The most enjoyable part of my job is collaborating with colleagues—everyone is always happy to help and answer questions.”

Work-Life Balance & Flexibility

“Shortly after starting my career at KVC, I began a family, and thanks to the flexible schedule, I’ve never missed an important milestone. The work-life balance and emphasis on self-care have made all the difference in my personal well-being and happiness.”

Making a Difference Every Day
“I have a passion for helping others through difficult times, and at KVC, I feel like I am making a difference in people’s lives for the better. The work environment is like a big family where I can truly be myself.”

Our employees are the heart of KVC Kentucky, and their dedication and passion make us who we are. If you’re looking for a meaningful career with a supportive team, check out our current opportunities and join us in changing lives!

How to Join the KVC Kentucky Team

Ready to experience a life-changing career with a team that’s excited to cheer you on and lift you up? Take a look at our careers page to learn more about what a career at KVC Kentucky can look like for you and view our amazing benefits, like great medical and dental insurance, a retirement savings match, paid time off, parental leave, wellness support, and professional growth. 

There are two paths to joining the team at KVC Kentucky: either search our open positions for the right fit for you, or click here to quickly apply and get your name on our radar as fast as possible! We will be in touch shortly after receiving your application to discuss the next steps and answer any questions you may have about the position or the process. We can’t wait to connect with you!