Initial Assessment Social Worker

POSITION SUMMARY

The Child Protective Services (CPS) Initial Assessment (IA) Social Worker partners with children and families to support parents and caregivers in making necessary changes so children are safe and protected in their home whenever possible. This position assists families in navigating the child welfare system, offers community services and resources, explains court processes, and performs case planning and management.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Engages with families focusing on establishing measurable goals that promote child safety, build parental protective capacities, and honor family connections; addresses areas such as child abuse and neglect, mental health, alcohol and drug abuse, complex family dynamics, parent/child conflict and general functioning and stability.
• Adheres to approved social worker principles, methods, and practices, including the National Association of Social Worker’s (NASW) code of ethics; provides social services per Wisconsin Statutes, court policies, and/or requirements of the program, state, or federal guidelines; accepts requests and referrals for agency services.
• Complies with the Eau Claire County Standards of Conduct; maintains respectful treatment of clients through empathetic and unprejudiced behaviors and communication.
• Identifies full range of client needs through thorough investigation and assessment; conducts interviews, home visits, and collateral investigations; determines the range of services needed for individuals and their families for preventative, remedial, or rehabilitative services; arranges and provides appropriate social and/or rehabilitative services for clients based on assessments of needs.
• Maintains awareness of resources and support services available; explains the scope of the agency’s services with clients; discusses the client’s rights and responsibilities in relation to the use of such services.
• Demonstrates successful case management utilizing best practices or evidence-based practices; conducts regular case evaluations; develops and updates service plans accordingly; maintains case records containing pertinent, accurate, and current information.
• Adheres to strict record-keeping and reporting guidelines and laws; fully completes required documentation in timely fashion and in accordance with program requirements; maintains confidentiality of client-related information; completes required written assessments, reports, and other related paperwork, as necessary; prepares correspondence, reports, and other records as required.
• Provides effective and credible testimony in a court of law; thoroughly reviews case facts in preparation of testimony.
• Provides Juvenile Court Intake on call coverage during daytime and/or after-hours as required or appropriate.
• Develops professional knowledge and skills by attending training events, conferences, and workshops.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with internal and external partners; coordinates or participates in multidisciplinary team meetings and consults; participates in committees and task forces as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL EXEPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, sociology, psychology, criminal justice, special education, or related field
• Appointment will be conditional upon successful completion of criminal and caregiver background checks.
• Certified Social Worker or possess or ability to obtain a temporary certificate permitting the use of the title “social worker” with two (2) months of hire and become fully certified within the specified time limits of the temporary certificate and maintain certification thereafter during employment.
• Must have valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and access to private transportation for work-related duties.
• Must possess and maintain personal automobile insurance in the amount of $100,000/$300,000.