Social Worker - Child Welfare

Overview

The Portage County Health & Human Services department is hiring a full-time Child Welfare Social Worker. Pay range starts at $31.65 / hr.

This position coordinates the recruitment, licensing, training, scheduling, and support services for Children’s Foster Home Providers. It coordinates the Children’s Respite Foster Care services. It provides stepparent adoption studies and recommendations.

• Matches staff referrals for foster care placements.
• Matches staff referrals for respite foster care placements.
• Coordinates with other county and state personnel regarding foster care program.
• Monitors and evaluates placements and providers.
• Implements/develops agency procedures and follows state guidelines in the daily operation of substitute care for children.
• Completes required forms for documentation, narrations, Ewisa
  
  CWIS and County computer data entry.
• Advocates for Foster Parents at the local and state Wisconsin Department of Children and Families levels.
• Attends regional state foster care meetings for updates and planning.

• Evaluates need for Children’s Foster Homes.
• Implements public speaking, media coverage, and other recruitment approaches for regular and respite foster homes.
• Evaluates and screens applicants according to state statutes and department guidelines.
• Compiles and maintains a file on each foster home.
• Issues license as appropriate.
• Evaluates foster home performance.
• Conducts annual reviews and re-licensing as needed.
• Initiates citations, corrective plans, and action for revocation of license if circumstances warrant.
• Provides support services for foster care providers.
• Plans recognition of foster parents.

• Develops and implements necessary training programs.
• Coordinates provider support groups or task forces as necessary.
• Conducts pre-service training for new foster parents.
• Provides ongoing training and information as necessary.
• Communicates policy and procedural changes to providers and staff.
• Develops and maintains procedural handbook and information packets.
• Monitors provider’s Pre-placement, Foundation and Annual Ongoing Training requirements.
• Enters all training in the Wisconsin Child Welfare Professional Development System.

• Bachelor degree in social work or any other human services field required.
• Certification or eligible for certification in Wisconsin as a social worker preferred.
• Three years of foster care and child welfare related experience preferred.

Portage County offers a GREAT benefit package, which includes the following;

• Vacation - available on day one!
• Health insurance- your choice of two health plans- (Health Savings Account associated with a High Deductible Health Plan with a County contribution or a PPO Co-pay plan)
• Wellness incentive plan offered with health insurance enrollment! Earn up to $600 per year!
• Flexible spending account
• Dental insurance
• State of Wisconsin Retirement Plan - County contribution of 7.2%!
• Paid holidays
• Paid sick leave
• Life insurance- premium paid by the County (must work a minimum of 30 hrs/wk)
• Long term disability insurance- premium paid by the County (must work a minimum of 30 hrs/wk)
• EAP (Employee Assistance Plan) - paid by the County
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

Portage County is an Equal Opportunity Employer