SOCIAL WORK SPECIALIST - INITIAL ASSESSMENT (OSHKOSH)

Winnebago County, Wisconsin; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 65,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Winnebago County is seeking a Social Work Specialist – Initial Assessment in Oshkosh. This full-time role focuses on assessing and investigating child abuse or neglect, evaluating safety and risk, and providing case management.

You will collaborate with families, document in accordance with laws, and coordinate with courts and partners. A bachelor’s or master’s in social work and licensure within two years is required; a valid driver’s license and vehicle access are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in social work, human services, or a closely related field.
• Licensure or eligibility under Wisconsin statutes as a Social Worker or related license; or able to obtain within two years of hire.
• Possess current valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle to perform required duties.
• Evidence of meeting automobile liability insurance requirements per county ordinance.

Responsibilities

• Assess safety and risk for children and families.
• Establish effective working partnerships with families and children.
• Document all casework in accordance with laws and county policies.

Skills

Communication

Trauma-informed

Organization

Documentation

Team player

Flexibility

Computer skills

Family assessment

Written & spoken

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Social Work

Licensure as Social Worker (or eligibility)

Driver's license

Auto liability insurance requirement compliance

Job description

SOCIAL WORK SPECIALIST - INITIAL ASSESSMENT (OSHKOSH)

Social Work Specialist - IA

POSITION TITLE: Social Work Specialist – Initial Assessment

LOCATION: Oshkosh Human Services

HIRING RANGE: $31.24 - $34.72/Hr.

STATUS: Full-time

HOURS PER WEEK: 37.5

WORK HOURS: M-F, 8am – 4:30pm

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

• 1.Assesses safety and risk for children and families, including an assessment of the strengths and needs of each household member.
• 2.Establishes an effective working partnership with children and their families.
• 3.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

• 1.Provides information and training for schools, community providers, and other organizations regarding child abuse and abuse reporting laws.
• 2.Refers/advocates with children and families to strengthen the family unit.
• 3.Petitions for court ordered services and provides professional court testimony.
• 4.Participates in continuing education and/or training opportunities.
• 5.Maintains confidentiality regarding children and family case information.
• 6.Partners with children and families in a courteous and respectful manner.
• 7.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.
• 8.Performs other related duties as may be assigned.

WORK RELATIONSHIPS

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

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, AND CERTIFICATION

• 1.Bachelor's or Master’s Degree in social work, human services, or a closely related field.
• 2.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.
• 3.Possess current valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle to perform required work duties.
• 4.Must provide evidence of meeting or exceeding the minimum automobile liability insurance requirements contained in the Winnebago County Travel Ordinance.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• 1.Working knowledge of Chapter 48 - Children's Code, Chapter 938 – Juvenile Justice Code, and Chapter 948 - Crimes Against Children Code.
• 2.Considerable knowledge of early childhood development and the underlying causes of family dynamics.
• 3.Knowledge of the abuse and neglect standards regarding investigation procedures and mandates.
• 4.Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• 5.Ability to accept supervision and direction while working within an agency team structure.
• 6.Demonstrates excellent organizational skills and follow through.
• 7.Possession of basic computer skills with the ability to utilize computer programs to document and track case activity.
• 8.Ability to work flexible hours when necessary to meet the needs of children and families.
• 9.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

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