Child Welfare Prep Pathway
Child Welfare Career Pathway established by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services for all Bachelor's level college students in the state of Kentucky pursuing a degree in Social Work.
Program Overview
The CW Prep Pathway with Metropolitan College offers students an opportunity to earn a college degree while gaining hands‑on experience and substantial financial support. At the beginning of their college career, participants work part‑time at UPS starting at $21 per hour as a package handler. Students receive paid tuition at Jefferson Community and Technical College and/or University of Louisville, full health and insurance benefits for themselves and their families after nine months, and paid vacation and holidays after one year. Additional financial supports include up to $250 in course fee assistance each fall and spring semester, a $500 academic bonus for completing six or more credit hours with strong academic standing, and the ability to stack MC benefits with federal aid, Evolve502, and other grants. Career readiness is strengthened through one‑on‑one career coaching, résumé support, budgeting guidance, and mock interviews.
During their junior and senior years, students will participate in the structured CW Prep Program, run by the Kentucky Department of Community Based Services. CW PREP is an innovative workforce development program. The goal of CW PREP is profoundly simple - foster an unparalleled pathway for recruiting, supporting and retaining a vibrant, dynamic child welfare workforce.
- CW Prep Year 1- You will engage in curated activities designed to prepare you for child welfare work, including targeted academic offerings, training experiences, and professional network development.
- CW Prep Year 2-You will continue core activities from Year One, while also taking part in a matched peer-mentor initiative that connects you with seasoned child welfare workers.
- Graduation and Transition- You will receive priority consideration for employment with the Kentucky Department of Community Based Service (DCBS), plus continued early-career support.
CW Prep is committed to fostering your growth, even after you begin your career. Post graduation support includes:
Job coaching and counseling aimed at addressing small issues before they become big problems.
Targeted skills development training for leadership-focused candidates. Many CW Prep graduates move into leadership roles.
Retention paths to continue doing the work you love.
MSSW tuition assistance programs. Learn more about CW Sustain here.
Students that complete CW Prep receive priority consideration for CW Sustain once their nine month probation has been completed.
We are CW Prep Introductory Video
Benefits
Students participating in the CW Prep Pathway have the option of continuing employment with UPS and receiving MC benefits in addition to the tuition benefits provided by the CW Prep program. Students may also decide to no longer continue their employment at UPS after completing employment through the work commitment date, and solely relying on the tuition benefits of the CW Prep program. While deciding which option may be best for you, consider utilizing the Total Benefits Calculator to see how your benefits will stack.
Metropolitan College benefits include:
Part-time employment at UPS starting at $21/Hour: Working on the front operational lines as a UPS package handler provides a a foundation for developing transferrable skills useful to future child welfare workers.
Paid tuition: Full-time in-state rate at Jefferson Community and Technical College and/or University of Louisville.
Full Benefits: Employees, along with their spouses and dependents, receive health, dental, vision, prescription, and life insurance coverage after 9 months of employment. Employees also receive paid vacation and holidays after one year of employment. They also have the ability to purchase UPS stock.
Fee Payment Assistance: Receive up to $250 in course fee payment assistance for fall and spring semesters.
Academic Bonus: Students receive a $500 bonus each fall and spring semester with successful completion of 6 or more credit hours and no withdrawals, incompletes, failures or D grades. Eligible students must remain employed for the duration of the semester.
Stackable Financial Benefits: Stackable Financial Benefits ensure MC students maximize all available aid by requiring completion of the FAFSA each academic year, allowing them to combine MC support with other programs—such as Evolve502, Work Ready and state or federal grant opportunities—because MC is not a last‑dollar scholarship. This means students can “stack” multiple funding sources to significantly increase their total financial benefit. Students are encouraged to use the MC Total Benefits Calculator to estimate their full potential savings.
Career Coaching: Career Coaching provides MC students with personalized, one-on-one support that helps them build essential career and life readiness skills, including guidance on budgeting, résumé development, completion of the Experiential Learning Module, and preparation through mock interviews to strengthen their confidence and competitiveness in the workforce.
CW Prep benefits include:
- Advanced, specialized training in child welfare: This is completed through classwork, trainings, and the required field practicum with DCBS Protection & Permanency.
- Full paid in-state tuition for up to four semesters: This can be combined with the tuition benefits of Metropolitan College listed above. To reflect this in the MC Total Benefits Calculator, enter your in-state tuition amount as a scholarship.
- $1400 stipend per semester: This is intended to help offset the cost of textbooks, technology, and travel. But, it can be spent however you want!
- Priority consideration for employment with KY Department of Community Based Services: Current starting salary is $56,000 with a 5% increase after nine months of employment. Jefferson County employees earn a locality incentive of an additional $4 an hour.
Eligibility
To apply to CW PREP, you will need to meet the following criteria:
- Full-time BSW Social Work major accepted or going into upper division
- Have at least 3, no more than 4 semesters before graduation
- Overall GPA of 2.5; Social Work GPA of 3.0
- Not currently employed by the KY Cabinet for Health and Family Services
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Want to work in Kentucky child welfare
How the Program Works
Apply and Get Hired by UPS in a MC Eligible Area:
Go to UPSJobs.com/worldport and click on "Apply Now".
Apply 30-45 days prior to desired start date.
Applicants interested in this pathway need to work 1DA Hub positions.
Accept employment at UPS.
Enroll in JCTC or UofL:
Apply to Jefferson Community and Technical College: jefferson.kctcs.edu/admissions or University of Louisville: https://louisville.edu/admissions/apply
File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov with school code: 006961 (JCTC); 001999 (UofL)
Enroll in Metropolitan College:
Learn more about the MC program and benefits.
Follow the Get Started steps to sign your MC agreement to start earning MC benefits.
Apply for BSW Upper Division at UofL:
UofL students will follow the BSW Flight Path and complete the Upper Division Pre-Admission Form.
Must have 45 credit hours and a 2.5 GPA to apply
Students attending JCTC will complete a 2+2 degree pathway to UofL.
Enroll in an Associate of Arts degree
Students are required to meet with ULtra each semester to discuss progress towards transferring to UofL.
Learn More:
- Attend a CW Prep information session with Emily Watts. We will post these events below when available.
- Interested candidates can contact Emily Watts, emily.watts.1@louisville.edu, with questions about CW Prep and its requirements.
Indicate Interest:
- Attend a Metropolitan College CW Prep Pathway information sessions (times and date will be posted here when available).
- Complete a MC CW Prep Pathway interest form by the following deadlines:
Fall Semester Admission: February 1
Spring Semester Admission: August 1
Apply to CW Prep:
Step One- Submit an application
Before you get started, you will need the following:
Names and email addresses for three (3) professional references
Unofficial copy of your academic transcript
A brief YouTube video (no more than 90 seconds) explaining why you want to be part of CW PREP
The application also has three 200 word or less essays:
Why are you interested in becoming a public child welfare worker?
What are three qualities you possess that will contribute to you having a successful transition into public child welfare work?
What are three areas of growth or development you want to focus on to have a successful transition into public child welfare work?
The application should take about 30 minutes to complete.
Step Two- The Interview
After receiving your application, the CW Prep team will carefully consider your credentials. If you might be a good candidate for CW PREP, you'll be contacted to set up an interview. The panel style interview will take place with the CW PREP review team. This team will make the final admissions decision based on your interview and all other submitted material.
Step Three- The Decision
Once the CW Prep team makes its decision, they will inform you of your status!
Students can view the MC CW Prep Pathway checklist here (add link once finalized).
Obligations
Once you sign a CW Prep contract, you will be obligated to complete the following requirements:
- Complete your BSW and CW-PREP requirements within two years from the effective date of your contract and maintain full-time status.
- Complete your field practicum with KY DCBS Protection & Permanency in a child welfare position.
- What days and times you complete your practicum are up to you and your Practicum Supervisor to decide! You have the ability to fit practicum into your schedule the best way you see fit. Consider utilizing the summer semester to complete your practicum as MC pays for summer tuition. Please keep in mind that Protection & Permanency offices are NOT open on the weekends or national holidays.
- Take BSW 352 and BSW 353 (in-person or online) earning a B or higher.
- Build your network at fun and enriching retreats (1 in fall and spring semesters) and 2 CW-PREP trainings during your last semesters.
- Dates of retreats/trainings typically fall on a Friday and Saturday. These dates are announced about a year in advance. It is the responsibility of the student to request time off work as soon as the retreat/training dates are announced. Failure to do so may result in a loss of CW Prep benefits as these retreats/trainings are required. Please reach out to Emily Watts for more information on retreat and training dates and expectations.
- Apply for and accept full-time employment with CHFS/DCBS after graduation.
- Work for DCBS in Kentucky for at least 2 years.
Information Sessions
High Demand Career Sector
Sector Overview:
The Child Welfare pathway prepares students for meaningful careers dedicated to supporting children, families, and communities. This field combines compassion, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills to address complex social issues. Careers range from entry-level support roles to advanced positions such as social workers, family service specialists, and child welfare administrators.
This sector offers opportunities across public and private organizations including government agencies, nonprofit organizations, schools, and healthcare systems. Professionals in child welfare play a vital role in protecting vulnerable populations, strengthening families, and improving long-term outcomes for children.
Why This Sector Matters in Kentucky:
- Kentucky continues to face significant needs related to child protection, family support, and foster care services
- Increased awareness of mental health, trauma, and adverse childhood experiences has expanded demand for trained professionals
- State and local agencies are actively seeking individuals prepared to work in child welfare and human services
- Employers are looking for individuals with:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of child development and family dynamics
- Crisis intervention and problem-solving abilities
- Cultural competency and ethical decision-making
Why It’s High Demand:
- Ongoing need for child protection and family support services
- Workforce shortages in social services and case management roles
- Increased focus on early intervention and prevention programs
- Growing demand for trauma-informed care and behavioral health support
Child welfare careers remain in high demand because communities depend on skilled, compassionate professionals to ensure the safety, stability, and well-being of children and families.
Opportunities in Kentucky:
Common roles include:
- Family Support Specialist
- Child Welfare Caseworker
- Foster Care and Adoption Specialist
- Behavioral Health Technician
- Youth Advocate or Residential Counselor
Child welfare professionals are needed across sectors including:
- State and local government agencies
- Nonprofit and community-based organizations
- Schools and educational support programs
- Healthcare and behavioral health providers
- Juvenile justice and family court systems
Industry Growth & Outlook:
Human services and child welfare careers are expected to continue growing due to increased funding, policy focus, and community need. Kentucky is expanding efforts in:
- Family preservation and reunification programs
- Foster care and adoption services
- Behavioral and mental health support
- Prevention and early intervention initiatives
This growth creates steady demand for individuals prepared with foundational skills, education pathways, and industry certifications.
Salary Expectations in Kentucky:
Earning potential varies based on education, certification, and experience:
- Entry-Level / Support Roles: $30,000 – $45,000
- Mid-Level (Caseworkers, Specialists): $45,000 – $65,000
- Advanced Roles (Social Workers, Supervisors): $65,000 – $85,000+
Salary by Major Kentucky Cities
| Location | Average Annual Salary | Typical Range (25th–75th Percentile) |
| Louisville | $45,000 – $60,000 | $38,000 – $70,000 |
| Lexington | $43,000 – $58,000 | $36,000 – $68,000 |
| Bowling Green | $40,000 – $55,000 | $34,000 – $63,000 |
| Northern KY | $44,000 – $59,000 | $36,000 – $69,000 |
Technology Micro-Credentials
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LinkedIn Learning
If you are a UofL MC participant, you also receive free access to LinkedIn Learning, a powerful online platform offering thousands of expert‑led courses. JCTC participants can also access LinkedIn Learning using a Louisville Free Public Library Card.
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Learn more about Technology Micro-Credentials.
Ready to Apply?
You can submit your application on the CW Prep website using this link.
Fall semester applications are due April 15.
Spring semester applications are due October 15.
Questions?
Sarah Schladand, MC Student Success Counselor: scprid01@louisville.edu - Can answer questions related to Metro College program benefits and requirements
Emily Watts, CWPREP Faculty & Coordinator: emily.watts.1@louisville.edu - Can answer questions related to CW Prep program benefits and requirements
CW Prep, Program Representative: Info Request - Can answer questions related to CW Prep program benefits and requirements