Case Manager/ Social Worker - Intake & Assessment at Douglas County (WI) – Superior, Wisconsin

Douglas County is seeking applicants for Case Manager positions within our Intake and Assessment Child Protection Unit.

As a Case Manager in Intake & Assessment, you will play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of children and families. This position is responsible for assessing each family’s ability to use protective capacities to maintain a safe home environment, while offering support through education, resources, and community referrals. When a child’s safety cannot be maintained within the home, the Intake & Assessment Social Worker takes necessary action to protect the child, which may include facilitating removal and custody intake.

Case Manager is the entry-level class for functions of moderate difficulty in all program areas. Employees work under close supervision while developing knowledge of laws, policies, and administrative procedures; human behavior and development; and effective interviewing, assessment, and caseload management skills. Competency is expected in ethical practice, documentation, court testimony, decision-making, accountability, fiscal and resource awareness, and strong interpersonal skills.

Successful Case Managers are resilient, adaptable, and dedicated advocates for children and families. This is challenging but rewarding work where you can make a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve. Start your career in child welfare with Douglas County today!

Douglas County offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to:

• 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

The Intake & Assessment Unit promotes the safety and well-being of children and families through comprehensive assessments, timely interventions, and supportive services for children and families in need. Key responsibilities include:

• Participate in screening of unit referrals to child protection, offering input of knowledge of cases and recommendations;
• Conduct child protection investigation, following state and investigative standards, agency policy and Wisconsin Children's Code;
• Conduct independent investigations with other counties and participation in Child First interviews with law enforcement and the District Attorney's office;
• Assess safety and the need for services making appropriate referrals for community resources;
• Seek court jurisdiction, when appropriate, and provide documentation to the court as needed for petition;
• Through the assessment process offer services, where appropriate and provide case management service until the case is transferred to an ongoing worker or closed;
• Facilitate services for families identified as needing court ordered or voluntary case management;
• Perform child protection investigations when necessary for open cases;
• Develop protection and safety plans and arrange for implementation of service plans;
• Provide intake coverage as assigned, accepting walk-in or telephone intakes following agency intake protocols;
• Serve in a 24/7 on-call rotation to provide after-hours response to juvenile custody intake calls as scheduled.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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

It is highly recommended to review the day-to-day duties of Child Protection Services via the following links:
https://youtu.be/eT_nqR5GFGU
https://youtu.be/Si-JX61LkDo

• 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.

Please attach college transcripts, college diploma or other proof of college credentials when submitting your online application.
Required Competency Areas

• Working knowledge of social and economic factors which influence family life.
• Some knowledge of principles of human behavior and development and psychological defense mechanisms.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Knowledge of public social service and assistance programs.
• Knowledge of interviewing techniques and problem solving methodology.
• Knowledge of reactions to stress.
• Working knowledge of social casework objectives, principles, methods, and caseload management and organization.
• Knowledge of the specialized and more difficult program area to which assigned.
• Knowledge of the laws, policies, and administrative procedures of county social service programs.
• Knowledge of the use and abuse of medications may be required to certain positions.
• Knowledge of how to access area resources; be skilled in written and oral communications; and be able to successfully facilitate wrap around team meetings while focusing on strengths, accurately listening and develop trust of team members.
• Apply critical thinking skills to identify barriers for the client’s success.
• Formulate and modify case plans in conjunction with clients.
• 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.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, clients, providers and staff of other agencies.
• Facilitate maximum client participation in service plans.
• 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 a collaborative 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.

Physical Requirements: The social worker/case manager 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 lap top 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. Shall maintain a valid driver's license.

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; Background Investigation; References.

Douglas County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.