SOCIAL WORKER - DCFS, CPS UNIT
DCFS INITIAL ASSESSMENT CASE MANAGER/SOCIAL WORKER
CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES UNIT
Experienced case managers/social workers with a passion for working with children and families are encouraged to apply for this outstanding career opportunity in Kenosha County’s Division of Children & Family Services.
The Initial Assessment Case Manager/Social Worker investigates allegations of child abuse and neglect in Kenosha County. These investigations (Initial Assessments) are conducted in the community and focus on assessing: child safety, child maltreatment, adult functioning, adult parenting practices, child functioning, and overall family functioning. If children are unsafe, the worker develops a safety plan that can include placement of children into foster care. This position also refers families for services, attends Juvenile Court, and works collaboratively with other community stakeholders. In addition, this position rotates into the Access Office to receive phone calls from citizens who are reporting allegations of child abuse and neglect.
Bachelor's Degree: The 2022 hiring range is $22.65 - $25.71 per hour. The full earning potential is $22.65 per hour (minimum) - $28.76 per hour (maximum).
Master's Degree: The 2022 hiring range is $26.42 - $29.99 per hour. The full earning potential is $26.42 per hour (minimum) - $33.55 per hour (maximum).
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
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Primary responsibility is completing Initial Assessments (investigations) regarding allegations of child maltreatment.
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Interviews alleged victim(s), siblings, parents, and all household members.
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Assesses child safety including the adult’s protective capacities and the physical condition of the home.
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If children are unsafe, develops a safety plan to ensure child safety, including placement of children into foster care when necessary for safety.
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Works directly with biological families, foster families, alternate care providers, and community agencies in the interest of child safety and improving child and family well-being.
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Maintains client and child contact as required by State Standards.
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Makes referrals to community-based service agencies and monitors progress.
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Researches placement options and prepares necessary referrals to out-of-home care settings for children.
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Prepares required court paperwork and notices, provides recommendations to the court, and testifies in court hearings.
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Maintains 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.
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In the Access Office, receives and documents allegations of child abuse and neglect.
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Documents client background information, assesses reports for present and impending danger threats, and makes screening recommendations.
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Attends and participates in various multi-disciplinary meetings and staffings.
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Works as part of a team.
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Attends in-service training and staff development activities.
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Performs other duties as required or assigned.
Position works 40 hours per week Monday through Friday. After-hours and weekend coverage not required.
QUALIFICATIONS - MINIMUM
Education and Experience
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Possession of a Bachelor's Degree in social work or related field.
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Two years of relevant work and/or internship experience working with children and/or families.
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Knowledge of the current principles and best practices of social work.
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Knowledge of our community’s social and economic problems and their impact on clients.
QUALIFICATIONS - PREFERRED
Education and Experience
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Possession of a Master’s Degree in social work or related field.
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State of Wisconsin Social Work Certification.
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Three or more years of relevant work experience in child welfare or similar field.
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Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and procedures pertaining to this position.
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Experience working in the Juvenile Court system.
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State of Wisconsin Social Work Certification.
OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS
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Valid driver’s license and access to an insured vehicle for use in the performance of the job.
COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES
Knowledge of:
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Wisconsin State Statute Chapter 48 and state and local laws, regulations, and procedures pertaining to child protective services.
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State of Wisconsin Access and Initial Assessment Standards, State of Wisconsin Ongoing Services Standards, and State of Wisconsin Child Protective Services Safety Intervention Standards.
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Child development and successful parenting skills.
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The Indian Child Welfare Act.
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Mental health and substance abuse and its impact on families.
Skill in:
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Engagement, conflict resolution, safety management, time management, interviewing, assessment, and organization.
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Verbal and written communication, public speaking, and documentation.
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Interpersonal and active listening skills.
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Use of Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
Ability to:
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Make decisions independently while ensuring safety of children within the community.
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Document and address threats of safety.
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Multi-task, prioritize, and meet time requirements.
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De-escalate hostile and defiant clientele while providing information and referrals.
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Provide feedback to collateral contacts regarding work expectations and duties.
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Remain professional and courteous at all times.
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Take accurate notes and details regarding investigations of child maltreatment.
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Adapt to changes in investigations and questioning to ensure pertinent information is being obtained.
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Maintain confidential information.
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Adhere to professional ethics.
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Respond to crisis situations.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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Moderate physical demands, such as exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and up to 10 pounds of force frequently.
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Vision standards required by Division of Motor Vehicles to operate a motor vehicle.
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Ability to visit families in their homes which may include stairs.
SELECTION PROCESS
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Application Review – Qualifying.
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Oral Interview, including written questions – Qualifying.
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Background Investigation – Qualifying.
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Physical Examination/Drug Screen – Qualifying.
If you require accommodations at any point in the selection process because of a disability, please notify Human Resources in advance for arrangements.
Click here for the 2021 Kenosha County Benefits Summary
Applications must be submitted no later than Sunday, December 19, 2021.
To learn more about the Child Protective Services Unit, please visit: https://www.kenoshacounty.org/252/Protective-Services
Kenosha County is a Wisconsin Retirement System participating employer. Your participation is required, which includes an employee contribution.
Thank you for your interest in employment with Kenosha County!
Kenosha County is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.
Other details
- Pay Type Hourly
- 8600 Sheridan Rd, Kenosha, WI 53143, USA