Social Worker Child and Family Services

Job Summary:

The individual in this position will be responsible for performing a variety of highly complex social work functions in a team environment.  This position works with children, youth, and families involved in Child Protective Services (CPS) and/or Youth Justice (YJ).  Primary roles may include one or more of the following:

• Access/Intake of child abuse or neglect reports,
• Juvenile Court intake,
• Initial Assessment for Child Protective Service investigations, 
• Ongoing Case Management.  

Social workers can be assigned any of the above as primary or secondary roles. Social workers are cross-trained in order to provide back-up coverage and balance workload between the various roles within the Children and Families Division as needed.  This includes on-call coverage as part of a team rotation.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Receives and processes reports of alleged child abuse or neglect, gathers detailed information from mandated and non-mandated reporters, and provides initial screening recommendations in a timely manner
2. Process reports of law violations, delinquent behaviors, and truancy from law enforcement, schools, and parents. Following interviews with the youth, families, and victims, makes recommendations for case disposition and manages court processes.
3. Investigates and assess alleged child maltreatment allegations by conducting initial assessments, developing protective plans when necessary, and initiating court interventions as needed while prioritizing kin and like-kin involvement on all cases whenever possible.
4. Provides ongoing case management, developing family-centered case or permanency plans, coordinating services, and monitoring compliance with legal and program requirements.
5. Maintains accurate, timely documentation in eWiSACWIS, prepares reports and court documents compliant with federal, state, and local mandates.
6. Engages families using strength-based, trauma-informed practices to promote resilience, accountability, and permanency.
7. Coordinates placement of children/youth in out-of-home care when necessary, ensuring compliance with safety standards and placement stability.
8. Provides on-call services during evenings, weekends, and holidays on a rotating basis.
9. Partner effectively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure coordinated care and service delivery.
10. Communicate and collaborate with tribal nations when ICWA/WICWA applies.
11. Participates in division-wide cross-training efforts to provide coverage and workload balance among service areas.

Key Competencies & Skills

• Critical Thinking: Applies investigative techniques and knowledge of statutes (Chapters 48 and 938) to assess risk and recommend appropriate interventions.
• Communication: Delivers sensitive information clearly and professionally through reports, court testimony, and client interactions.
• Problem Solving: Designs creative service plans within statutory and policy frameworks to address complex family dynamics.
• Collaboration: Builds and sustains cooperative relationships with colleagues, families, and community partners.
• Technical Proficiency: Operates case management systems (e.g., eWiSACWIS) and office software (Microsoft Office Suite, TCM, AS400) with accuracy and efficiency.
• Cultural Competence: Demonstrates respect for diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds; promotes equity in service delivery.
• Ethical Practice: Adheres to social work ethics, confidentiality, and professional boundaries.
• Engagement: Maintains a family-focused, client-centered approach throughout case involvement.

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Proficiency with case management tools (e.g., eWiSACWIS) and standard office software, or ability to learn through training.

Preferred Education & Experience

• Certification as a Social Worker (or higher level) with the State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
• Previous experience in CPS, youth justice, or related human services.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

Work is primarily performed in an office setting with frequent use of computers and telephones. The role requires remaining stationary for extended periods, occasional movement within the building, and occasional lifting of up to 10 pounds. Fieldwork, including home visits, is required and may involve exposure to hostile or emotionally charged environments. Workers must exercise vigilance in maintaining confidentiality and personal safety. Occasional evening, weekend, or holiday on-call duties are required. Driving to various sites within the county is necessary.

Emergency Response Statement

In an effort to provide for continuity of County government and to cope with the problems of the emergency, you may be required to work during a proclaimed state of emergency, consistent with Sec. 323.14, Wis. Stats. and County emergency management plans and programs. 

Equal Opportunity Statement

Door County is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Disclaimer

The above is intended to describe the general content of the requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.