Social Worker - Intake and Assessment

• Annual wage increase based on eligibility
• Paid, on-the-job training and advancement opportunities
• Competitive paid time off including vacation, sick time, personal days and holidays
• 85% county contribution to health and dental premiums
• Health Saving Account (HSA) available to all employees on the county’s medical plan- Douglas County makes an annual contribution up to $750 single employee or $1500 employee 1 or Family; employees have additional HSA contribution options through Medica
• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)- One of the leading retirement systems in the nation- Contributions are paid according to current year rates set by Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds (refer to www.etf.wi.gov for further detail)   
• County paid life insurance policy with coverage equivalent to annual salary (affordable Supplemental, Additional, and Spousal/Dependent life insurance available at employee’s expense)
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualifying employer 

The Full-Time Intake and Assessment Unit Social Worker accurately assesses each individual family’s ability to utilize protective capacities in order to maintain the safety of children within the household while providing support through education and community referrals.  If the household is not safe for children, the Intake and Assessment Social Worker must take action to ensure the protection of these children, including the removal of children and custody intake.

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, to learn the principles of human behavior and development, to develop interviewing and assessment skills, caseload organization and management skills and to 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.

• Participate in screening of unit referrals to child protection, offering input of knowledge of cases and recommendations; 
• Conduct child protection investigation, following state and investigative standards, agency policy and Wisconsin Children's Code; 
• Conduct independent investigations with other counties and participation in Child First interviews with law enforcement and the District Attorney's office; 
• Assess safety and the need for services making appropriate referrals for community resources; 
• Seek court jurisdiction, when appropriate, and provide documentation to the court as needed for petition; 
• Through the assessment process offer services, where appropriate and provide case management service until the case is transferred to an ongoing worker or closed; 
• Facilitate services for families identified as needing court ordered or voluntary case management; 
• Perform child protection investigations when necessary for open cases; 
• Develop protection and safety plans and arrange for implementation of service plans; 
• Provide intake coverage as assigned, accepting walk-in or telephone intakes following agency intake protocols;
• Respond 24/7 as scheduled and appropriate to youth custody intake calls.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work preferred. 
• Bachelor’s degree in human services field with at minimum one year work experience is acceptable. 
• Ability and willingness to become Wisconsin Social Work certified per statue  457.08 (1) and/or 457.09(1) may be necessary during course of employment and is preferred. 
• One to two years’ related work experience preferred.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and furnish proof of automobile insurance. 
• Transporting and/or making appointments with clients is a requirement of this position. 

Financial aptitude, computer knowledge, strong oral and written communication skills, and comfortability in presenting to management groups, public groups, and various committees needed.

• Working knowledge of social and economic factors which 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 to 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 develop trust of team members.
• Apply critical thinking skills to identify barriers for the client’s success. 
• Formulate and modify case plans in conjunction with clients. 
• Interview effectively, gather information and engage the client in the problem-solving process.  
• Understand and explain agency limitations, regulations and policies. 
• Maintain current and accurate records. 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, clients, providers and staff of other agencies. 
• Facilitate maximum client participation in service plans. 
• Proficiency in use of computer and designated software programs and/or to obtain proficiency within 6 months of assuming the position.
• Communicates clearly and effectively, verbally in writing and during public speaking, ensures understanding, and conveys information accurately. 
• Collaborates and maintains effective working relationships with colleagues, supervisors, clients, providers, and staff of other agencies. 
• Contributes to group efforts, and fosters a cooperative and supportive work environment to achieve common goals. 
• Takes responsibility for actions and decisions, follows through on commitments, and ensures tasks are completed accurately and on time. 
• Takes proactive steps to address opportunities and challenges, shows a strong drive to achieve results, and goes above and beyond. 
• Makes informed and timely decisions, evaluates options thoroughly, and takes responsibility for outcomes. 
• Demonstrates a strong desire to achieve goals, seeks continuous improvement, and strives for excellence in all endeavors. 
• Identifies and addresses conflicts promptly, mediates disputes, and fosters a collaborative environment. 
• Demonstrates a strong awareness of safety protocols, promotes a safe work environment, and ensures compliance with safety regulations. 
• Shows tolerance for different perspectives, remains patient and open-minded, and fosters an inclusive environment. 

Salary : $750