Case Manager/ Social Worker - Ongoing Child Protection

Description Douglas County is seeking applicants for Case Manager positions within our Ongoing Child Protection Unit. Are you passionate about helping families thrive and ensuring child safety? As a Case Manager in Ongoing Services, you’ll partner directly with families to create safe, stable home environments. You’ll work with them to identify strengths, set meaningful goals, and develop individualized plans that lead to long-term success. This role includes connecting families with culturally appropriate resources, monitoring progress, and adjusting plans as needs evolve. Once goals are achieved, you’ll support families as they transition beyond agency involvement. 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. 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 Essential Duties The Youth and Family Services Unit provides child protection ongoing services, custody intake, and support to individuals and families in need. Key responsibilities include: Conduct family assessments to identify safety concerns and critical needs. Coordinate and implement service plans in collaboration with families and community providers. Reassess child safety and evaluate case plans at designated intervals to monitor progress. Seek court jurisdiction when appropriate and provide recommendations through written reports and testimony. Facilitate placements in the least restrictive setting and supervise alternate care cases in compliance with state and federal standards, including the Wisconsin Children’s Code. Serve in a 24/7 on-call rotation to provide after-hours response to juvenile custody intake calls as scheduled. 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 Minimum Qualifications 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. Financial aptitude, computer knowledge, and driver’s license with proof of insurance for transporting and/or making appointments with clients is required. Strong oral and written communication skills, and comfortability in presenting to management group, public groups, and various committees needed. Must be able to deal with a variety of people in all aspects of this work. Please attach college transcripts, diploma, or other proof of college credentials when submitting your application. Supplemental Information Knowledge Required: 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. Abilities Required: Apply casework skills to identify the client's problems. Formulate and modify case plans in conjunction with clients. Interview effectively, gather information and engage the client in the problem-solving process. Manage assigned caseload and establish caseload priorities to meet client needs and agency expectations. Understand and explain agency limitations, regulations and policies. Use community and agency resources. Communicate effectively in written and oral form. Maintain current and accurate records. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, clients, providers and staff of other agencies. Effectiveness and efficiency in managing a caseload. Effectively seek out and use community and agency resources related to service needs. 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. Physical Activities/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 that are not handicapped accessible. Requirements include driving a vehicle to and from appointments. Must maintain a valid driver's license. Test Requirements: Structured Interview; Background Investigation; References. Douglas County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.