BH Social Worker I/II/III

County of Jackson; Black River Falls (WI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Jackson seeks Behavioral Health Social Workers (I–III) within the Health & Human Services division. The role involves psychosocial assessments, recovery plan development, advocacy, and linking clients to community resources for children and adults with varying disabilities. First review of applications will be Sept 21, 2026.

SW II requires state certification and 1 year of relevant experience; SW III adds leadership responsibilities and program management duties within the division.

Qualifications

• Must have full State Social Worker Certification prior to starting at or progressing to Social Worker II and at least 1 year work experience with target populations.
• Experience and training requirements for SW III include 4 years as a Social Worker and potential leadership training.
• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice or related field.

Responsibilities

• Provide psychosocial rehabilitation services or case management.
• Assess client needs and refer to programming and/or community resources; collaborate with providers, family, and supports.
• Track court order expirations, complete court documentation, and ensure timely submission.
• Provide crisis intervention/de-escalation and assessments; coordinate involuntary hospitalizations when needed; develop crisis plans and referrals.
• Identify needs across medical, psychological, vocational, social, familial, and daily living spheres; support recovery planning and discharge as appropriate.

Skills

Advocacy

Case management

Collaboration

Cultural sensitivity

Crisis intervention

Recovery planning

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work

Job description

Under the direction of the Behavioral Health Manager or Children's Support Services Supervisor, or MHP/Clinic Coordinator, the Behavioral Health Social Workers provide a wide variety of social services including, but not limited to: needs assessments, recovery plan development, advocacy, referral to community resources, collaboration with other professionals, and other services as needed for both children and adults with varying disabilities and functioning levels. They provide responsive, courteous, efficient, and culturally sensitive services to County residents and the general public.

First review of applications will be September 21, 2026.

The duties described below are indicative of what the Behavioral Health Social Worker I & II generally might be asked to perform. Lists of more specific program specific duties are attached. This is not an exhaustive list of job responsivities; therefore, other duties may be assigned.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SUB-SECTION SPECIFIC DUTIES AND/OR REQUIREMENTS

SOCIAL WORKER II

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK

Employees in this class perform relatively the same duties as the Social Worker, but at an advanced level. They demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills gained through coursework and experience.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Must have full State Social Worker Certification prior to starting at or progressing to Social Worker II and at least 1 year work experience working with the target population (mental health, AODA, Physical Disabilities, or Developmental Disabilities) by providing psychosocial rehabilitation services or case management. Internal staff moving from a SW I to a SW II must exhibit good work performance at the discretion of the Division Manager and DHHS Director.

SOCIAL WORKER III

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK

This is an agency-trained Social Worker position. Employees in this class perform as a lead worker within the division, and will demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills gained through experience. In addition to the duties listed under Social Worker I and II, employees in the class will perform these duties:

• Represents the Behavioral Health Division to community organizations, consortiums, and other agencies as assigned or in the absence of the Behavioral Health Manager
• Provides case consultation to peers and outside agencies as needed
• Provides assistance and training to peers
• Assists with program management, to include certification and recertification of programs, audits, policy updates and creation, financial monitoring
• Plays a lead role within the Division.
• Assists with other duties as assigned by the Behavioral Health Manager

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Must have acceptable job performance and 4 years of service as a Social Worker with the Jackson County Department of Health & Human Services. Reassignment to this class will be based on the needs of the division and approval by the Division Manager and the Director of Health and Human Services. May also be required to complete leadership training at the discretion of the Manager and DHHS Director prior to moving to the SW III position.

AODA/MENTAL HEALTH CASE MANAGEMENT

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide case management services for clients on commitments or receiving funding for residential substance use treatment or in placement related to their mental health and/or substance use needs
• Assess client needs and refer clients to programming and/or other community resources, as well as provide assistance with establishing services as needed
• Collaborate with other providers, family, and other supports on clients' care
• Track court order expiration dates, complete court documentation, and ensure documentation is submitted timely
• Explain the consequences of non-compliance with court orders to clients who are involuntarily referred, monitor client utilization of services, and inform the court of consumer's adherence to court orders
• Conduct IDP assessments
• Provide back-up follow-up for crisis intervention calls including court paperwork for emergency detentions

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Requirements

• Obtain IDP-AT Certification
• Obtain certification to complete MH/AODA and CLTS Functional Screens
• Complete all other required training to work within the program

CRISIS

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide telephone and face-to-face crisis intervention/de-escalation and assessment with clients seeking crisis services
• Collaborate with other community service providers, perform assessments, and determine immediate care needs for client safety and least restrictive crisis response plan. Represent the agency for approval of Chapter 51 emergency detentions
• Collaborate with law enforcement, hospital staff, and/or other agencies/individuals to coordinate involuntary hospitalizations in accordance with Chapter 51
• Assist as needed to facilitate a voluntary hospital admission when appropriate
• Develop appropriate crisis plans and associated referrals using individual, family and community resources
• Provide linkage and follow-up services following client stabilization
• Monitor and evaluate client compliance with crisis plans, providing assistance when needed and modifying plans when appropriate
• Complete all associated documentation based on program timelines
• Collaborate with providers contracted to provide crisis services under the Crisis Program

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Requirements

• Obtain certification to complete MH/AODA and CLTS Functional Screens
• Complete Crisis Core Training

COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY SERVICES

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Identifies through the assessment process individual needs which include medical, psychological, vocational, social, familial, and daily living spheres
• Works to achieve voluntary involvement and participation in the design of a self-directed recovery plan developed to support the consumer in a manner that helps achieve the highest possible level of independent functioning
• Promotes and teaches team-based approaches to enhance and sustain the recovery process. Assists clients with identifying potential individuals that they could have as part of their team and assists in forming recovery teams. Invites service providers and team members to regularly scheduled team meeting, maintains a team roster, and a summary of team meetings.
• Ensures that the service plan and services delivered are integrated, coordinated, monitored, and are adjusted as needed
• Completes program specific documentation within the required timeframes: Assessments, Recovery Plans, Functional Screens, 6-Month Updates, Annual Updates, team rosters, consents, etc.
• Facilitates discharge from the program when appropriate and completes requirement documentation related to discharge
• Works closely with the Mental Health Professional (MHP) and Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) to ensure needs are identified and the service plan appropriately addresses those needs

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Requirements

• Obtain certification to complete MH/AODA and CLTS Functional Screens
• Complete CANS/ANSA training
• Complete all other required training to work within the program

CHILDREN'S LONG-TERM SUPPORT/CHILDREN'S COMMUNITY OPTIONS PROGRAM

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Assesses client needs, determines eligibility, applies for, and utilizes appropriate funding sources. Interviews client, family, care providers, and others to gather case information. Determines client medical, psychosocial, environmental, and financial situation. Determines risk and least restrictive alternatives for care
• Develops service plans, finds and develops resources, accesses other agencies and makes appropriate referrals, coordinates paid and non-paid support, and provides advocacy
• Provides on-going case management by coordinating, monitoring, and adjusting services. Monitors purchased services by reviewing service billings and authorizing payment.
• Completes/Updates Functional Screens, Monthly Collateral Contacts, Six Month Reviews, Recertifications, and required face to face contacts. Follow waiver manual guidelines
• Documents client progress. Completes required program forms, obtains necessary medical documentation, and writes reports, case notes, correspondence, and other materials
• Facilitates discharge when appropriate and required by program guidelines
• Reports Critical Incidents according to the Critical Incident report procedures
• Provides advocacy and ongoing evaluation of service providers
• Works with ADRC staff to smoothly transition cases to Adult Services
• Makes APS referrals and assists with guardianship process as needed

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Requirements

• Obtain certification to complete MH/AODA and CLTS Functional Screens
• Complete Waiver Basics Training
• Complete all other required training to work within the program

COORDINATED SERVICES TEAM

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Creates and facilitates child-centered wrap-around teams
• Conducts family-centered, strength-based assessments that concentrate on the child and family strengths and need for support
• Develops crisis plans and crisis intervention services as required
• Assists in creating and maintaining a consumer-centered team of professionals and natural supports that aid consumers in their goals toward recovery and/or rehabilitation

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Requirements

• Obtain certification to complete MH/AODA and CLTS Functional Screens
• Complete CANS/ANSA training and maintain CANS certification
• Complete the CST 2-Day Workshop
• Complete all other required training to work within the program

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice or related field
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with drug