Social Worker, DCFS-Youth Justice Unit

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. The Youth Justice Social Worker/Case Manager, reporting to the Social Worker Supervisor, provides ongoing supervision of delinquent youth, juveniles in need of protection and service, and adjudicated school truants.

This position conducts assessments of youth and families, prepares court reports and other court documents, creates case plans, makes recommendations for length of supervision and services, monitors and supports youths' compliance with court orders, maintains case records, performs home visits, and monitors youth in out‑of‑home placements. This position requires attending Juvenile Court hearings, refers families for services, and works collaboratively with community stakeholders and service providers.

• Interview Juvenile Court involved youth and their families to obtain relevant youth and family assessment information.
• Prepare a disposition report for the court, including youth and family risks and needs and recommendations for length of supervision and services needed.
• Represent DCFS and provide testimony in court hearings.
• Develop treatment plans including specific types of services designed to help youth reduce delinquent behavior, improve school attendance, improve decision making, increase youth competency, and improve family functioning.
• Provide case management including regularly meeting with the youth and family to continually assess the youth and family's needs, monitoring activities and school attendance, promoting and supporting successful completion of supervision; client contact occurs at home, school, or other locations in the community.
• Prepare referrals for services and determine through interviews, school visits, home visits, and collateral information, the range of services needed.
• Meet regularly with service providers to ensure that services provided are consistent with the court order and case plan expectations.
• Develop permanency plans and determine progress toward permanency goals for youth placed in out‑of‑home care.
• Maintain accurate, meaningful, and current case records, reports, and other documents and correspondence, including all required documentation in the Wisconsin State Automated Child Welfare Information System.
• Work collaboratively with schools and a variety of service providers.
• Perform 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. Opportunity for advancement. County issued cell phone and laptop. Positive workplace culture.

Experience:

Minimum of two years relevant work and/or internship experience working with children and families in juvenile justice/child welfare or similar field; three or more years of experience preferred. Experience working in the court system. Knowledge of the current principles and best practices of social work.

Success Factors:
Knowledge of Wisconsin State Statute Chapter 938 and state and local laws, regulations, and procedures pertaining to delinquent and school truant youth. Knowledge of evidence‑based practices and structured decision making in youth justice. Knowledge of adolescent development and the impact of trauma and violence. Knowledge of motivational interviewing practices. Knowledge of trauma‑informed care and case management. Knowledge of mental health and substance abuse and its impact on families.

Skills:

Engagement, conflict resolution, safety management, time management, interviewing, assessment, and organization. Verbal and written communication, active listening, public speaking, and documentation. Ability to gather and assess information and develop…