DEFLECTION PROGRAM SOCIAL WORKER - ISRS

La Crosse County•La Crosse, WI

About The Position

This is an entry-level Social Worker position under supervision. The employee assists clients with environmental and supportive services to address financial, personal health, or family problems; assesses individuals and families to determine needed services; provides agency services when appropriate; and makes referrals to other community services when needed. Client services may include protective actions on behalf of individuals or the community. This grant-funded position focuses on supporting unsheltered individuals in the community who have criminal justice involvement. The role provides social services in accordance with Wisconsin statutes, court policies, and applicable program, state, and federal guidelines. It accepts service requests and referrals, conducts assessments, arranges or provides services, evaluates cases, updates service plans, coordinates care conferences, and testifies in court when necessary. The position requires courteous and respectful interactions with clients, the public, coworkers, supervisors, and public officials.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in Social Work or a related degree such as Sociology, Psychology, or Criminal Justice.
Certification by the State of Wisconsin as a Social Worker; applicants not certified at application must have applied for a Temporary or Training Certificate and obtain regular certification within specified time limits.
Experience working with a variety of funding sources.
Basic computer keyboarding skills for entering client data; good computer and keyboarding skills for using computer programs, internet, intranet, and email.
Ability to work with diverse populations and relate to people without prejudice and with understanding of their circumstances and feelings.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, plan and organize work, understand and follow oral and written instructions, and participate appropriately in supervision and training.
Knowledge of social welfare programs; human growth and behavior; socioeconomic problems affecting individuals and families; laws and practices related to public welfare programs; and community welfare and health resources.
Comprehensive knowledge of the human services system and how to access area resources.
Skill in written and oral communication and ability to facilitate groups and work effectively with diverse groups of people.
Ability to focus on strengths, listen accurately, develop trust, understand multiple perspectives, address ineffective team behavior, and accept feedback without reacting defensively.
For many positions, a valid driver’s license and access to personal transportation or another reliable means of city and rural travel.
Complete required training and certification courses within timeframes established by the State of Wisconsin.

Nice To Haves

Strong preference for at least one year of experience working with the same client population served by the unit and familiarity with available community resources.

Responsibilities

Accept requests and referrals for agency services.
Conduct thorough individual and family assessments through interviews, home visits, and collateral investigations to determine needed preventive, remedial, or rehabilitative services.
Explain the agency’s services and discuss clients’ rights and responsibilities.
Arrange or provide appropriate social services based on assessed needs.
Conduct regular case evaluations and develop and update service plans.
Coordinate or participate in care conferences.
Testify in court as necessary or required.
Enter client data and use computer programs, the internet, the county intranet, and email.
Participate as a contributing team member, pursue personal growth, accept feedback, and apply learning.
Build and maintain effective relationships and contribute positively to an inclusive workplace.
Provide services in accordance with Wisconsin statutes, court policies, and applicable program, state, and federal guidelines.
Maintain courteous, cooperative, and respectful working relationships with clients, the public, employees, supervisors, and public officials.