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Social Worker - Youth & Family Services Unit

The full-time Social Worker YFS provides services in Youth and Family Services Unit, and will aid individuals and families requiring Health and Human Services assistance and Child Protection Ongoing Services, as well as Custody Intake. Full-time based on 37.5 hours per week.

Social Worker is the entry-level class for functions of moderate difficulty in all program areas. Employees work under close supervision and are expected to develop knowledge of the laws, policies, and administrative procedures of county social work programs, learn the principles of human behavior and development, develop interviewing and assessment skills, caseload organization, and management skills, and use community resources. Social Workers will demonstrate competency in ethical practice, writing skills, court testimony and reports, judgment and decision-making, responsibility and accountability, resource and fiscal awareness, and interpersonal skills.

It is highly recommended to review the day-to-day duties of Child Protection Services via the following website links:

Essential Duties
Child Protection Ongoing Services: Perform family assessments addressing critical issues to child safety; coordinate service plans including collaboration with various service providers; re-assess child safety at designated intervals; evaluate case plan at designated intervals measuring progress toward child safety; seek court jurisdiction and submit recommendations to the Court by way of reports and testimony; facilitate placements in the least restrictive manner, and provide supervision of alternate care cases, meeting agency, state and federal requirements, standards and WI children's code. Respond 24/7 as assigned and appropriate to juvenile custody intake calls.

Review the day-to-day duties of Child Protection Services via the following website links:

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Social Work preferred. A Bachelor’s degree in a human services field with a minimum of one year of work experience is acceptable. Ability and willingness to become Wisconsin Social Work certified per statute 457.08 (1) and/or 457.09(1) may be necessary during the course of employment and is preferred. One to two years of related work experience is preferred.

Financial aptitude, computer knowledge, and a driver’s license with proof of insurance for transporting and/or making appointments with clients are required. Strong oral and written communication skills and comfortability in presenting to the management group, public groups, and various committees are required. Must be able to deal with various people in all aspects of this work. 

Please attach college transcripts, diplomas, or other proof of college credentials when submitting your application.

Supplemental Information
Knowledge Required: Working knowledge of social and economic factors that influence family life. Some knowledge of principles of human behavior and development and psychological defense mechanisms. Knowledge of community resources. Knowledge of public social service and assistance programs. Knowledge of interviewing techniques and problem-solving methodology. Knowledge of reactions to stress. Working knowledge of social casework objectives, principles, methods, and caseload management and organization. Knowledge of the specialized and more difficult program area to which assigned. Knowledge of the laws, policies, and administrative procedures of county social service programs. Knowledge of the use and abuse of medications may be required for certain positions. Knowledge of how to access area resources; be skilled in written and oral communications; and be able to successfully facilitate wrap-around team meetings while focusing on strengths, accurately listening, and developing the trust of team members.

Abilities Required: Apply casework skills to identify the client's problems. Formulate and modify case plans in conjunction with clients. Interview effectively, gather information, and engage the client in the problem-solving process. Manage assigned caseload and establish caseload priorities to meet client needs and agency expectations. Understand and explain agency limitations, regulations, and policies. Use community and agency resources. Communicate effectively in written and oral form. Maintain current and accurate records. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, clients, providers, and staff of other agencies. Effectiveness and efficiency in managing a caseload. Effectively seek out and use community and agency resources related to service needs. Facilitate maximum client participation in service plans. Proficiency in the use of computer and designated software programs and/or to obtain proficiency within six months of assuming the position.

Physical Activities/Requirements: The social worker/case manager will be required to perform non-sedentary and sedentary work. Non-sedentary work includes walking distances on uneven surfaces and climbing stairs; standing and sitting variable times; carrying a laptop computer and other materials simultaneously; and the ability to lift up to 30 pounds. This position may require field visits, sometimes in buildings that are not handicapped accessible. Requirements include driving a vehicle to and from appointments. Must maintain a valid driver's license.