Social Worker - Children, Youth and Families

Dane County Human Services, Children, Youth and Families (CYF) Division has full-time (1.0 FTE) vacancies for Social Worker I and Social Worker II in Child Protective Services (CPS) and Youth Justice (YJ) in Madison, WI.

The Eligibility List created will be used to fill future vacancies over the next six (6) months. All are encouraged to apply.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY & INCLUSION

As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customers’ needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence - the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

 

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, this position provides the full range of child welfare, child protection services (CPS) and youth justice (YJ) - related social work activities assigned to County agencies by state law. These activities provide supervision and services to children, youth and families (CYF). Once hired, employees may have the opportunity to advance to the Senior Social Worker level after meeting the advancement criteria specified in the Employee Benefit Handbook.

 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Receive, analyze and document reports of alleged maltreatment and unborn child abuse. Perform a gate-keeping function by determining which children and families receive further attention from child welfare. Meet with families to identify and prioritize needs and goals and to consider appropriate available services. Establish service agreements with families that ensure child safety, address identified needs within the family, and are consistent with juvenile court orders. Make referrals to appropriate community services and resources. Maintain regular contacts with schools, treatment providers and other involved professionals to ensure service provision, effectiveness, and family’s progress. Maintain regular contact with the families to monitor progress and to assist them in following the case plan. Prepare factual, accurate and comprehensive petitions and court reports according to agency policy and file them in court within legal time limits. Attend court hearings according to agency policy and effectively/proactively participate in the process. Contact families promptly after case assignment to schedule meetings. Prepare for assessments by reviewing the case record and other available information prior to family meetings. Conduct assessment interviews with family members according to Department protocols and State mandates. Gather additional information from collateral sources to complete assessments. Within required time limits, complete comprehensive and accurate family assessments, taking into consideration family and individual strengths and needs. Conduct initial assessments by reviewing all relevant information, interviewing all persons according to state standards and within mandated response times. Analyze information regarding risk level, child safety, and maltreatment substantiation.

Education, Training and Experience:  

Applicants with a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Social Work, or who are currently in their final academic semester towards obtaining a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Social Work will be screened through. Applicants with any other major must possess a training certificate, temporary or permanent Social Work Certification from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) prior to applying.  

 

Social Worker II

All employees hired with a Master’s degree and six (6) months of relevant experience or a Bachelor’s degree and two and a half (2.5) years of relevant experience will be hired as a Social Worker II, range 20.  Those who do not meet these criteria upon hire will be hired as Social Worker I and will advance to Social Worker II after obtaining one of these criteria.

 

Certifications/Licenses: 

All individuals must possess a degree and a training certificate, temporary or permanent Social Work Certification from the Wisconsin DSPS prior to the first day of employment. If any applicant does not possess a training certificate, temporary or permanent certification on the first day of employment the job offer will be rescinded and they will be terminated. Candidates with a training or temporary certificate must obtain a permanent certification within one (1) year in order to pass probation.

 

Special Requirements: 

Must have a valid driver’s license with a good driving record, and access to reliable personal transportation, or equivalent.

 

Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job's responsibilities. Wisconsin's Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position's responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant's criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.). Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

 

For Bilingual Positions: 

1. Provide services in both English and the required foreign language (e.g., Spanish, Hmong, etc.).1.)
2. Applicants being considered for Bilingual positions will be tested during the recruitment process. This may consist of either being able to respond to questions in that language (e.g., Spanish, Hmong, etc.) during the interview; or passing an oral translation (English to foreign language / foreign language to English) exam prior to employment.

 

Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:   

Typical office environment. Ability to sit or stand to operate a personal computer with or without assistance. Ability to travel from office to other locations. Ability to see and hear within normal ranges with or without adaptive devices. Extensive computer terminal use, reading and writing.

Knowledge of, and experience applying social work methods, techniques, policies, procedures and treatment techniques. Knowledge of human development and behavior. Knowledge of dynamics of human relations, including dealing with intellectual, academic, emotional, physical or social disabilities. Knowledge of investigation procedures and applying motivational interviewing techniques. Experience facilitating group and individual counseling for different clientele (e.g., adults, teens or children). Experience working with and relating effectively to diverse populations. Experience identifying and solving problems. Experience in case planning. Knowledge of community resources and support programs. Ability to prepare and maintain complex records and reports. Ability to participate effectively as a team-member. Ability to use a computer to generate reports, complete forms, and document case activity. Excellent personal, written and verbal communication skills. Excellent organizational and time-management skills.