Caseworker or Social Worker

Vilas County requires that all applicants fill out our application. It can be found on our website at www.workforvilascounty.com

Vilas County is currently hiring for a Caseworker or Social Worker in our Department of Human Services. This position (allows those without the State of Wisconsin Social Work licensure an opportunity to provide intake and on-going case management duties pursuant to their respective state statutes as outlined in Wisconsin State Statutes Chapter 46, 48, 55, and 938.

Growth could come from achieving a full Wisconsin Social Work License.

Job Summary:

Within the parameters of federal, state, and county and agency guidelines, procedures and laws, Child Protective Services (CPS) caseworkers are responsible for investigating claims of abuse or neglect, providing ongoing case management for affected parties, and coordinating protective services as outlined in Chapter 48 of the Wisconsin Children's Code.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Performs intake duties, receiving and screening reports regarding suspected child abuse and/or neglect.

2. Investigates and verifies claims of neglect or abuse by interviewing involved parties, conducting home visits and completing timely and comprehensive assessments to determine if abuse/neglect exists.

3. Collects evidence such as medical reports, arrest records, and court filings to determine the validity of claims.

4. Works with law enforcement to coordinate immediate protective services if needed and applies crisis intervention techniques, risk assessment and protective/safety plans to ensure children's safety.

5. Arranges and monitors placement for children when removal cannot be avoided.

6. Prepares and compiles case documents to present at court proceedings or follow-up home visits and testifies in court hearings as needed.

7. Works with other service providers and law enforcement to provide information on active cases.

8. Provides protective services to help families avoid removal whenever possible and reviews case documents, evidence, and court proceedings to determine the feasibility of reintegrating removed children back into the affected home.

9. Monitors the wellbeing of affected children and arranges other care services, such as counseling, psychiatric or psychological assessment and/or medical assessment as needed.

10. Assesses eligibility for Kinship Care and maintains all appropriate records and documentation.

11. Works with Youth Justice, Indian Child Welfare, law enforcement, and other appropriate agencies to assure services are provided that are in the best interest of the child, the family, and the community.

12. Conduct stepparent adoption studies, courtesy investigations, case management, and supervised visitation.

13. Keeps accurate records in the state eWISACWIS database; writes succinct case notes of daily contact and legal reports and completes accurate and timely assessments and screening documents.

14. During business hours, participates in a formal rotating access system for Youth Justice, Adult and Child Protective Service units pursuant to applicable statutory guidelines. Also, part of a formal rotating on-call system providing after-hour intake services for the YJ, APS and CPS units pursuant to applicable statutory guidelines.

15. With supervisor's approval, participates in meetings/committees appropriate to CPS issues.

16. Consults with supervisor on cases, including case status.

17. Attends required training to maintain caseworker status.

18. Assists with emergency planning activities, such as registration, relocation and shelter for persons subject to disasters and participates in callouts for emergencies as advised by the Emergency Management Department.

19. All other duties as assigned.

WORK REQUIREMENTS AND CHARACTERISTICS:

A. Education/Knowledge:

4 Year College Degree is Required in related field such as Sociology, Psychology, Human Services Education, Criminal Justice, etc.

B. Licensure/Certification:

Required

• Valid WI Driver's license and insurance coverage as required by state.
• Within six months of hire, must successfully complete Basic Intake Worker Training.
• Within one year of hire must successfully complete WSCWPDS CPS WiLearn Program.

C. Required Work Experience:

In addition to Education/Licensure

• Prior experience in related field is preferred.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS REQUIRED TO PERFORM POSITION:

• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds with understanding and respect.
• Ability to objectively and effectively resolve complex problems with multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to abide by state and federal program guidelines and laws, established department procedures and policies, and accepted professional standards.
• Able to represent the agency to the public in a non-judgmental and non-detrimental manner while always maintaining agency and client confidentiality.
• Ability to apply the NASW Code of Ethics when working with clients.
• Have a working understanding of Trauma-Informed Care principles.
• Demonstrate proficiency in organization, prioritization, excellent written and interpersonal communication, and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively with others and manage high-pressure situations with professionalism and empathy.
• Ability to meet statutory timelines while working accurately and efficiently.