Social Worker (Sheriff)

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION

As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence – the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

DEFINITION

Under supervision of a Dane County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant, this position is responsible for assisting and advocating for incarcerated individuals, primarily those sentenced to the Dane County Jail. This position provides general case management and assists eligible residents in obtaining employment, child care, education, or apprenticeship positions and making arrangements for treatment as needed. 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES 

Assists in fostering and coordinating treatment, schooling, and programming for residents to reduce recidivism and address criminogenic needs. Advocates for jail residents from existing systems and services, providing jail diversion opportunities. Assesses the needs for programs. Identifies, develops and maintains direct contact with community groups, employers, and organizations to assist in program development. Work closely with residents, security staff, employers, community service providers, and the court system. Teaches skill-building classes, facilitates groups and works closely with the jail’s re-entry coordinator.

Education, Training and Experience: 

Applicants with a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Social Work will be screened through. Applicants who are currently in their final semester of school and are obtaining a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Social Work will be screened through. Applicants with any other major must possess a Social Work Certification from the WI Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) prior to applying. 

Certifications/Licenses:

All individuals must possess a degree and a Social Work Certification from the WI Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) prior to the first day of employment. Candidates with a temporary certificate from the DSPS may be accepted, but must obtain permanent certification within one (1) year in order to pass probation (a training certificate will not be accepted). If any applicant does not possess a certification on the first day of employment the job offer will be rescinded and they will be terminated.

Special Requirements: 

Must also be able to pass a background check in order to obtain and maintain security clearance for access to jail facilities. Requires a valid driver's license (or eligibility for), access to reliable personal motor vehicle transportation, and a good driving record. Weekends may be required dependent on the needs of program schedules.

Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job's responsibilities. Wisconsin's Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position's responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant's criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

For Bilingual Positions: 

1. Provide services in both English and the required foreign language (e.g., Spanish, Arabic, Hmong, etc.). 
2. Applicants being considered for bilingual positions will be tested during the recruitment process prior to employment. This will primarily consist of passing an oral language proficiency assessment from English to foreign language and foreign language to English, but may require additional language testing, such as written translation, if it is an essential function of the job. 

* If applicable, individuals may confirm with the Employee Relations Division whether results of bilingual language certifications/ examinations they currently hold qualify them for the position’s bilingual designation.

Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:  

Ability to sit in one (1) place for extended periods of time; ability to view a computer monitor/screen for long periods; ability to lift 20-pound boxes with assistance and 10–15-pound boxes unassisted.

Knowledge of the Wisconsin State Statutes pertaining to criminal codes and DOC 302 and 350; knowledge of the court system and process; knowledge of current social and economic problems and ways in which these problems affect families and individuals; knowledge of community resources and how to use them effectively; knowledge of human development and behavior; knowledge of family and community systems; effective oral and written communication skills; ability to relate to persons from a variety of ethnic and racial backgrounds in an unprejudiced and understanding manner; ability to recognize symptoms of emotional disabilities, alcohol and drug abuse and learning difficulties; ability to prepare and maintain complex records and reports; ability to participate effectively as a member of a team; ability to plan and organize work to effectively achieve program objectives; ability to understand and follow oral and/or written instructions; ability to use a computer to generate reports and complete forms; ability to organize and coordinate programs for jail residents; and ability to analyze the use of data in program planning. This social work position is geared specifically for correctional facilities and will require weekend hours. The position requires access to all areas of the facilities, so awareness and adherence to rules and regulations is mandatory for safety and security of all within the facility. 

Salary : $34 - $40