Social Worker, Child Protective Services

Overview

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

The Kenosha County Division of Children and Family Services, a leader and innovator in child welfare, is seeking an experienced Social Worker/Case Manager who has a passion for improving the lives of children and families, strong organizational skills, sound decision making, the ability to work independently and with their team, and a passion for child safety. This position conducts Initial Assessments (investigations) of allegations of child abuse and neglect in Kenosha County.

This individual works directly with biological families, foster families, and community agencies focused on keeping children safe and assisting parents in accessing voluntary community resources that will strengthen their family. If children cannot be maintained safely in their home, this position will facilitate Court intervention in order to ensure safety. In addition, this position rotates into the Access Office to receive phone calls from citizens who are reporting allegations of child abuse and neglect.

This position reports to the Social Worker Supervisor.

• Primary responsibility is completing Initial Assessments (investigations) regarding allegations of child maltreatment
• Interview alleged victim(s), siblings, parents, and all household members
• Assess child safety including the adult's protective capacities and the physical condition of the home
• If children are unsafe, develop a safety plan to ensure child safety, including placement of children into foster care when necessary for safety
• Work directly with biological families, foster families, alternate care providers, and community agencies in the interest of child safety and improving child and family well-being
• Maintains client and child contact as required by State Standards
• Makes referrals to community-based service agencies and monitors progress
• Researches placement options and prepares necessary referrals to out-of-home care settings for children
• Prepares required court paperwork and notices, provides recommendations to the court, and testifies in court hearings
• Maintains accurate, meaningful, and current case records, including all required documentation in the Wisconsin State Automated Child Welfare Information System
• In the Access Office, receives and documents allegations of child abuse and neglect, documents client background information, assesses report for present and impending danger threats, and makes screening recommendations
• Works as part of a team, attends in-service training and staff development activities, and performs other work as required or assigned

• Competitive hourly rate
• No on-call after-hours responsibilities
• Monday-Friday work schedule 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Opportunity to be a part of a great team
• Training to learn, grow, and succeed
• Competitive benefits package including pension
• County issued cell phone and laptop
• Positive workplace culture

• Minimum of two years relevant work and/or internship experience working with children and families; three or more years of experience preferred
• Experience working in the Juvenile Court system
• Knowledge of our community's social and economic problems and their impacts on clients
• Knowledge of Wisconsin State Statute Chapter 48 and state and local laws, regulations, and procedures pertaining to child protective ongoing services
• Knowledge of State of Wisconsin Access and Initial Assessment Standards, State of Wisconsin Ongoing Services Standards, and State Child development and successful parenting skills
• Knowledge of the Indian Child Welfare Act
• Knowledge of current principles and best practices of social work
• Knowledge of mental health and substance abuse and its impact on families
• Skill in engagement, conflict resolution, safety management, time management, assessment, and organization
• Skill in verbal and written communication
• Ability to make decisions independently while ensuring the safety of children within the community
• Ability to de-escalate hostile and defiant clientele while providing information and referrals
• Ability to document and address threats of safety
• Ability to provide feedback to collateral contacts regarding work expectations and duties
• Ability to take accurate notes and details regarding investigations of child maltreatment
• Ability to adapt to changes in investigations and questioning to ensure pertinent information is obtained
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet time requirements
• Ability to adhere to professional ethics
• Ability to respond to crisis situations
• Ability to work respectfully in a diverse and inclusive environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel
• Valid driver's license, acceptable driving record, and access to an insured vehicle for use in the performance of the job
• Transporting clients in personal vehicles may be required

• Notes on physical demands:
  The position involves light physical demands, such as exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and up to 10 pounds…