Initial Assessment Supervisor

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF), Division of Milwaukee Child Protective Services, Bureau of Initial Assessment is currently recruiting to fill an Initial Assessment Supervisor position in Milwaukee, WI. DCF offers great benefits, personal growth opportunities and work-life balance as a State of Wisconsin employee; and the intrinsic reward associated with serving the children and families of Wisconsin. To learn more about DCF’s complete compensation package, please visit our Total Rewards Calculator!

This position is headquartered at our Milwaukee Office and will have the option to work hybrid for 3-5 days per week, dependent upon operational needs.  Employees need to report to the 635 N 26 St. Milwaukee, WI office on their first day for onboarding and orientation. 

High speed internet access is required to meet the needs of hybrid work.

Come see why DCF is such a great place to work!

DCF is committed to the important work of helping children, youth and families become safer, more secure and progress down the road to true independence. For more information about DCF, visit our website at http://dcf.wi.gov/.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Initial Assessment Supervisor reports to the Initial Assessment Program Manager of the Division of Milwaukee Child Protective Services (DMCPS) Bureau of Initial Assessment (BIA).  This position’s duties will encompass activities which support the Department’s and Division’s mission, vision, values and objectives.  This position will support, manage and direct staff responsible for child welfare services for children and families in Milwaukee County.  This position will work collaboratively with peers and other staff across programs within and outside of DMCPS to develop and implement management policies.  This position will assign and review work of staff, support, model and evaluate staff performance through fieldwork, regular supervision and oversight and recommend corrective action when required. 

The position is responsible for promoting family-centered support and services for families and coordinating child welfare services with their staff, their peers, other agency staff, the child and family, local agencies and courts, assuring compliance with state and federal laws, administrative rules and policies. This position is responsible for monitoring program effectiveness and implementing improvements/revisions as necessary; planning and monitoring consultation services, resolving complaints; and maintaining and reporting of program data. 

View the complete position description. 

SALARY: The classification title for this position is Initial Assessment Supervisor. The starting salary is between $37.00 and $41.00 per hour ($76,960 and $85,280 annually), depending on qualifications. Pay for current State of WI employees will be based on the compensation plan in effect at the time of the appointment. Pay for current state employees who are transferring will be determined based upon the pay on transfer rules (higher level duties or equity) as outlined in the compensation plan in effect at the time of appointment.

The pay schedule/range is 81-03. A one-year probationary period may be required.  

Job Details: Due to the nature of the position, final candidates may be required to allow DCF to conduct a security background check to determine whether the circumstances of any pending charges or convictions would be substantially related to the job being filled.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without DCF sponsorship.) The Department of Children and Families does not sponsor visas, either at time of hire or at any later time.

Qualifications: 

Minimally qualified applicants will have:

• Experience working in the human services or child welfare program
• Experience as a team lead, lead worker, mentor and/or supervisor in a child welfare related setting that includes managing the performance of others or outcomes of the programs/organizations
• Experience writing and/or reviewing case narratives or reports
• Experience using Microsoft Office Programs (i.e., creating documents, mail mergers, or reports in Microsoft Word, creating Excel spreadsheets or using formulas to manipulate data)
• Experience managing competing priorities

Well-qualified applicants will have:

• Experience working in a supervisory/managerial role with hiring and/or training staff 
• Experience interpreting and applying laws and regulations applicable to child welfare (Ch. 48 or 938 Wis Stats; CPS Access and IA Standards; Ongoing Services Standards; Admin. Code Ch. DCF 54 or 56, etc.)
• Experience using databases or regulatory software (i.e. eWiSACWIS) to research and pull program/business information for external and/or internal requests 
• Experience working collaboratively with external agencies, community partners, and/or affiliates.

HOW TO APPLY:

If you haven’t already done so, you will need to create an account and apply online. You must apply online to be considered for this position. Application materials will not be accepted if received in an e-mail, as a hard copy or a fax. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.

After you are logged in and are viewing the announcement, click “Apply Now.” You will be asked to provide your personal information and required materials.  Online applications that do not include all of the requested materials will not be considered. 

Both a resume and letter of qualification are required.  If both documents are not submitted during the application process, your application will be disqualified.  Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application at DCF and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. View instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications for your DCF application and what should be included in these materials. 

Submitted materials will be evaluated by one or more subject matter experts and qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. 

The State of Wisconsin is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to applicants of any race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national original, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability.  If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer, voluntary demotion, or former employees as a reinstatement) must complete the application process to apply.

Deadline:

The deadline to apply is 11:59 PM on March 4, 2026. If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact, Angela Cox, Human Resources Specialist at 608-422-6422 or via email at angela.cox@wisconsin.gov. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.