Social Worker- Family and Children Unit

WCA: Wisconsin Counties Association; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 42,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Wisconsin Retirement System

Short/Long-Term Disability – waived

Job summary

Vernon County is seeking a Social Worker for the Family & Children Unit in the Human Services Department. The role conducts CPS intakes, investigates allegations of abuse/neglect, and assesses families, including home visits and interviewing relatives.

The worker exercises independent judgment under state statutes and works to develop long-term service plans, coordinating with courts and community agencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in a human service discipline required.
• Wisconsin Social Work License required or ability to obtain within two years.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Conducts Child Protective Services intakes, investigations, and assessments.
• Interview family members and conduct home visits.
• Prepare Court petitions and testimony for Juvenile Court appearances.
• Maintain documentation and supervise ongoing caseload.
• Provide services or referrals to families and children as needed.
• Develop permanency plans and safety assessments with community partners.

Education

Bachelor degree in Social Work or related field

Job description

Application Deadline: 2026-09-28

Job Type: County

Job Description

Social Worker- Family & Children Unit

Department: Human Services

Reports to: Human Services Manager, Human Services Director

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Pay Grade: M-N

About Us

Vernon County is dedicated to enhancing quality of life by promoting the health and safety of all residents and by conserving our natural landscape and unique rural character. We are committed to fostering stewardship, collaboration, and innovative growth through informed decision-making and transparent government.

Position Summary

This position conducts Child Protective Services intakes, receives delinquency referrals, investigations, and assessments of alleged child abuse and neglect referrals including interviewing family members and conducting home visits. Employee exercises independent judgment and discretion within established guidelines. This position is located in the Family and Children’s Unit and is under the supervision of the supervisor of the Unit. This position requires planning, developing, implementing and evaluating services for individuals within the confines of the Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Codes of the State Department of Health and Family Services.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Responsible for conducting investigations of allegations of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as allegations of neglect.
• Implements appropriate intervention strategies.
• Prepares written and oral testimony for Juvenile Court appearances.
• Maintains current documentation and supervises an ongoing caseload.
• Prepares Court petitions for children in need of protection and services and delinquents in temporary physical custody hearings. Testifies in Court proceedings.
• May be responsible for directly providing services for and/or referring families and children to such services: as Independent Living, AODA education, Parenting programs, and Corrective Thinking Classes.
• Provides services to juvenile delinquents and to children in need of protections and/or services.
• Supervises and places children in foster homes.
• May develop local foster home resources as Foster Care Coordinator.
• Supervises children adjudicated CHIPS, JIPS, or Delinquent.
• Prepares predisposition investigations, home studies, and other court reports for Vernon County Juvenile Court.
• Acts as court intake worker on a rotational on-call basis.
• Acts as CPS access worker.
• Provides counseling for children and families in crisis situations; arrange services and supervise cases.
• Formulates case planning identifying family needs and securing services from other community agencies to meet those needs.
• Develops a Permanency Plan following the State mandates.
• Utilizes the State CPS Investigative Standards during investigations of alleged child abuse.
• Develops safety assessment family evaluations/plans utilizing safety and risk factors.
• Develops partnerships by working closely with court, counselors, schools, hospitals, child caring Institutions, group homes, foster homes, and law enforcement personnel.
• Maintains individual client files and prepares client information for data entry into Program Participation System and e-WISACWIS system.
• Reviews cases as mandated.
• Speaks to community groups regarding Child Protection/Juvenile Court issues.

Related Job Functions

• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with coworkers, the general public, community resources, county and governmental officials, and others.
• Responsible for working safely and following safety practices and standards of the facility; responsible for reporting and/or correcting any existing or potential safety or accident hazard.
• Attends staff meetings, training sessions, and participate in workshops, seminars, etc., to keep abreast of current changes in the field.
• Maintains consumer rights and confidentiality of consumer information.
• Does related work as required or directed.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and move around for extended periods.
• Proficiency in keyboarding and using office equipment such as computers, printers, and copiers.
• Capable of lifting and carrying light to moderate office supplies.
• Visual acuity to read printed materials and view computers screen for extended periods.
• Manual dexterity to operate office equipment and perform tasks such as filing and organizing paperwork.
• Ability to communicate with the public and Vernon County staff in-person and on the phone.
• Travel to other Vernon County locations.
• May handle stressful situation(s) and short deadlines.
• Involves potential threat of physical attack or injury from consumers/animals in unusual situations.
• Involves potential and/or direct exposure to blood or body fluids.

Education And Training Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a minimum Bachelor degree in a human service discipline, such as Social Work, Sociology, or Psychology. Minimum of one year of county social work experience preferred. MUST HAVE current Wisconsin Social Work License meeting the requirements specified under Wis. Statute 457 OR the ability to obtain a social work license within two years.

Possession of a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation with adequate auto insurance to meet minimum County requirements, or access to reliable transportation for city and rural travel.

Additional Information

This position description has been prepared to assist in evaluating duties, responsibilities, and skills of the position. It is not intended as a complete list of specific responsibilities and duties, nor is it intended to limit duties to those listed.

Vernon County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Wage And Benefits

$30.23- $33.37

• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Wisconsin Retirement System
• Short Term & Long-Term Disability – waived premiums.
• $10,000 Life Insurance Policy – Employer Paid.
• Health Insurance
• Dental & Vision Group Rate Plans
• Deferred Compensation – Wisconsin Deferred Comp & Nationwide
• Other Supplemental Insurances
• Employee Assistance Program

vernoncountywi.gov