Access Worker - Intake & Assessment Unit

Douglas County, WI; Superior (WI); On-site; USD 56,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

PTO and holidays

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

Douglas County in Wisconsin is seeking a full-time Access/Intake worker for the Children and Families Unit. The role focuses on receiving, analyzing, and documenting reports of alleged child abuse or neglect, and creating referrals in the database for supervisor action.

The position is 37.5 hours per week, non-exempt, with wages based on the 2026 salary grade at $28.96-$31.31 per hour. Benefits include health premiums, training, PTO, and PSLF employer.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work preferred; or bachelor’s in human services with at least 1 year of work experience.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and furnish proof of automobile insurance.
• Ability and willingness to become Wisconsin Social Work certified per statute 457.08 (1) and/or 457.09(1) is preferred.
• Proven ability to gather and document information accurately for decision making.

Responsibilities

• Provide Access/Intake services: receive and document reports of child abuse/neglect and related referrals.
• Document casework in compliance with laws and county policies.
• Perform return calls and gather additional intake information as needed.
• Prioritize tasks and provide clear records and reports.

Skills

Interview skills

Documentation

Written communication

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work

Bachelor’s degree in human services

Tools

Case management software

Job description

This full-time case position will be the primary access/intake worker for the Children and Families Unit. Access is a process for receiving, analyzing, and documenting reports of alleged child abuse or neglect. Access/Intake workers must gather sufficient information for decision making related to child safety. Access/Intake then creates an encompassing report/referral in the appropriate database so a supervisor can accurately determine what, if any, action the Department should take in the matter. Access/Intake workers must possess the ability to provide input regarding screening, urgency, and response time decisions based upon threats to child safety. Access/Intake workers must possess strong interview skills to engage reporters and the ability to accurately and timely document the information received. Duties include being the primary Access/Intake worker Monday-Friday, writing detailed reports, assessing information as it comes to the Department to determine both present and impending danger.

Full-time based on 37.5 hours per week; non-exempt. Wage based on 2026 salary grade, $28.96-$31.31 per hour.

Benefits

• Annual wage increase based on eligibility
• Paid, on-the-job training and advancement opportunities
• 85% county contribution to health and dental premiums
• Health Savings Account (HSA) available to all employees enrolled in the county's medical plan, with annual contributions provided by the employer and the health plan
• Wisconsin Retirement- One of the most well managed retirement systems in the nation- Contributions are paid according to current year rates set by WRS Employee Trust Fund. Refer to www.etf.wi.gov for further detail
• County-paid Life Insurance Policy – coverage equivalent to annual salary - affordable Supplemental, Additional, and Spousal/Dependent coverage available at employee’s expense
• Competitive paid time off including vacation, sick time, personal days and holidays
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Employer

Douglas County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Essential Duties

• Provide Access Intake services. Receive and document primarily child abuse/neglect reports, but may also receive mental health and adult protection referrals and forward to the appropriate staff member. Provide information and resources to those contacting the Department. Conduct initial interviews in order to determine the nature of access or service need and what unit or department is best able to assist the consumer.
• Documents all casework in accordance with Federal and State laws and mandates and in accordance with County policies and procedures on all referrals related to child abuse and neglect.
• Performs return calls as necessary seeking additional intake information.
• Ensures clients are assisted promptly and courteously, and provided or referred for needed services.
• Provides information and training for schools, community providers, and other organizations regarding child abuse and abuse reporting laws.
• Participates in continuing education and/or training opportunities.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding children and family case information.
• Provides assistance to staff, Lead Worker, and Supervisor on an as needed basis.
• Completes redaction of records requests in child welfare as assigned.
• Comfortable with telephonic and in-person communication, demonstrating superior verbal and written communication skills.
• Comfortable navigating multiple electronic software programs.
• Prioritize tasks and navigate between different job responsibilities regularly.
• Exercise good judgment in approaching situations and making decisions.
• Prepare and maintain clear and accurate records and reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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. Must be able to deal with a variety of people in all aspects of this work.

Required Competencies

• Working knowledge of social and economic factors which influence family life.
• Knowledge of interviewing techniques and problem solving methodology.
• Working knowledge of social casework objectives, principles, methods, and caseload management and organization.
• Knowledge of how to access area resources.
• 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.
• 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 an inclusive 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.

Working Conditions

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. This role works frequently in varying environments including private residences, schools, or medical facilities, and may utilize a personal vehicle to transport clients.

Testing Requirements

Testing may be administered to assess skills and abilities necessary to perform the essential duties of this position. Structured interview, references and background investigation.

Physical Requirements

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.

The access worker will be required to perform non-sedentary and sedentary work. Non-sedentary work includes walking distances on uneven surfaces and climbing stairs; standing and sitting variable times; carrying a laptop computer and other materials simultaneously; and ability to lift up to 30 pounds. May require field visits, sometimes in buildings or terrain that is not handicapped accessible. Requirements include driving a vehicle to and from appointments. Must maintain a valid driver's license.

Health Insurance

• After 30 days of employment
• (Employee pays 15% of premium)
• Single, or Employee + 1 or Family options

Dental Insurance

• After 30 days of employment
• (Employee pays 15% of premium)
• Single, or Employee + 1 or Family options

Life Insurance

• Basic: 1 times your annual salary (County Paid)
• Supplemental: 2 times your annual salary (Employee Paid)
• Additional: 3 to 5 times your annual salary (Employee Paid)
• Optional spousal and dependent life insurance (Employee Paid)
• $4,000 Life Insurance Policy (County Paid)

Wisconsin Retirement

Employer and Employee contributions to Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS are regulated by the State of Wisconsin. Contributions are paid according to current year rates set by WRS Employee Trust Fund. Refer to www.etf.wi.gov for further detail.Mission Square/Nationwide Retirement Services Deferred Compensation Accounts for public employees.

Pre-Tax Plan

Flexible Benefit Plan Dependent Care Reimbursement Account (DCRA) (Helps employees reduce their taxable income by "setting aside" dollars spent on dependent daycare expenses).

Vacation

Vacation is accumulated on a monthly basis. Newly hired employees will accrue vacation from their date of hire, but are not eligible to take vacation until successful completion of four months of their employment.

Sick Time

Sick time accumulates at 1 day per month up to 120 days.

Employee Assistance Program

(EAP) is confidential, professional help with personal matters. (County Paid)

Long Term Disability

After 30 days of employment.

Short Term Disability

After 30 days of employment (At Employee Expense).

Holidays

10 Paid Holidays per year.*

Personal Days

5 days per year *