SOCIAL WORK SPECIALIST - INITIAL ASSESSMENT (NEENAH)

Winnebago County, Wisconsin; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 43,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Winnebago County in Wisconsin seeks a Social Work Specialist – Initial Assessment to evaluate safety and risk for children, investigate maltreatment information, and provide case management and referrals.

Responsibilities include advocacy, court testimony, and collaboration with schools and partners. Requires a relevant degree and Wisconsin licensure, plus a driver's license and on-call availability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s Degree in social work, human services, or a closely related field.
• Certification or licensure under Wisconsin Statutes chapter 457 as a Social Worker or related license; or certified/licensed within two years of hire.
• Possess current valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle to perform required duties.
• Evidence of meeting minimum automobile liability insurance requirements per Winnebago County Travel Ordinance.

Responsibilities

• Assesses safety and risk for children and families.
• Establishes an effective working partnership with children and families.
• Documents casework per laws, mandates, and county policies.

Skills

Safety assessment

Documentation

Communication skills

Trauma-informed approach

Time management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in social work or related field

Social Worker licensure/certification (Wisconsin)

Valid driver's license

Auto insurance requirements compliance

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

SOCIAL WORK SPECIALIST - INITIAL ASSESSMENT (NEENAH)

Social Work Specialist

POSITION TITLE: Social Work Specialist – Initial Assessment

LOCATION: Neenah Human Services

HIRING RANGE: $31.24 - $34.72/Hr.

STATUS: Full-time

HOURS PER WEEK: 37.5

WORK HOURS: 8am – 4:30pm, M-F with on-call responsibilities

DEPARTMENT: Human Services – Child Welfare Services

PAY BASIS: Hourly

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY:

Assesses and investigates information related to child abuse or neglect allegations. Assesses safety and risk regarding maltreatment of children. Provides case management services, social work interventions, and information and referral services for children and families. Provides district courts and legal partners with timely required information and documentation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assesses safety and risk for children and families, including an assessment of the strengths and needs of each household member.
• Establishes an effective working partnership with children and their families.
• 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.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Provides information and training for schools, community providers, and other organizations regarding child abuse and abuse reporting laws.
• Refers/advocates with children and families to strengthen the family unit.
• Petitions for court ordered services and provides professional court testimony.
• Participates in continuing education and/or training opportunities.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding children and family case information.
• Partners with children and families in a courteous and respectful manner.
• May participate in the after hours “on-call” rotation, which responds to Crisis after hours calls related to Child Protective Services and Juvenile Justice matters. Child/Community safety assessment and TPC determinations are primary duties.
• Performs other related duties as may be assigned.

WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

• Reports to Program Supervisor – Initial Assessment Team.
• Works with other agency departments and community partners.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, AND CERTIFICATION:

• Bachelor's or Master’s Degree in social work, human services, or a closely related field.
• Certification or licensure under Wisconsin Statutes chapter 457 as a Social Worker, Advance Practice Social Worker, Independent Social Worker, or Independent Clinical Social Worker; or certified or licensed within two years of hire. A Social Worker Training Certificate per State Statute Chapter 457 does not meet this qualification.
• Possess current valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle to perform required work duties.
• Must provide evidence of meeting or exceeding the minimum automobile liability insurance requirements contained in the Winnebago County Travel Ordinance.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Working knowledge of Chapter 48 - Children's Code, Chapter 938 – Juvenile Justice Code, and Chapter 948 - Crimes Against Children Code.
• Considerable knowledge of early childhood development and the underlying causes of family dynamics.
• Knowledge of the abuse and neglect standards regarding investigation procedures and mandates.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to accept supervision and direction while working within an agency team structure.
• Demonstrates excellent organizational skills and follow through.
• Possession of basic computer skills with the ability to utilize computer programs to document and track case activity.
• Ability to work flexible hours when necessary to meet the needs of children and families.
• Ability to assess family strengths, needs, safety and risk factors using a trauma informed approach and incorporate these into a family managed case-plan.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to perform most work from a sedentary position
• Ability to function in a normal office setting.
• Ability to use standard office equipment including telephone, computer, printer, photocopier, and scanner.
• Must have the capacity to freely move in the community including access to a vehicle.
• Must have the capacity to access second floors in private homes.
• Must have the capacity to lift and carry children and to lift, carry, and attach car seats.