JSS - SOCIAL WORKER

La Crosse County • La Crosse, WI

2d

About The Position

The Justice Support Services Social Worker provides case management to justice-involved clients who have been ordered by the court to be monitored as a condition of their bond during pretrial or once they have been sentenced. The social worker is responsible to assist clients in meeting conditions of bond/sentence and client’s personal goals such as securing employment, legal, medical, mental health, substance use disorder treatment, or other social services. They interview justice-involved clients to assess their risk and needs, monitor compliance with court orders, communicate with internal and external stakeholders including attorneys, court personnel, and other agencies to gather information about cases. They review court records, including police reports, witness statements, and other documents. They prepare reports to the courts on client progress, case files for court hearings such as arraignments, and bond hearings and coordinates/collaborates with other agencies to ensure clients receive appropriate services in order to successfully meet pretrial outcomes or sentence requirements.

Requirements

• Requires graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in Social Work (or any related college degree such as Sociology, Psychology or Criminal Justice).
• Requires basic computer keyboarding skills for entering data related to clients.
• For many positions, must have valid driver's license and access to personal transportation, or other reliable means for city and rural travel.
• Requires certification by the State of Wisconsin as a Social Worker. If not certified at the time of application for employment with La Crosse County, must have applied to the State of Wisconsin for Temporary or Training Certificate and obtain regular Certification within specified time limits.
• This position requires flexibility in scheduling to meet business needs.

Nice To Haves

• Strong preference for one-year responsible social work experience working with co-occurring disorders and substance abuse, knowledge of the criminal justice system, familiarity with mental health services or domestic violence programs.

Responsibilities

• Provides social services per Wisconsin Statutes, court policies, and/or requirements of the program, state, or federal guidelines.
• Accepts requests and referrals for agency services.
• Conducts thorough assessments through interviews, home visits and collateral investigations, to determine the range of services needed by these individuals and their families for preventative, remedial or rehabilitative services.
• Explains the scope of the agency's services and discusses the client's rights and responsibilities in relation to the use of such services.
• Arranges or provides for appropriate social services for clients based on assessments of needs. Conducts regular case evaluations and develops and updates service plans accordingly.
• Maintains case records containing pertinent, accurate and current information. Prepares correspondence, reports and other records as required.
• Fully completes required documentation in a timely fashion and in accordance with program requirements. Coordinates or participates in care conferences.
• Participates in committees and task forces as assigned. Testifies in court as necessary or required.
• Through an interview process, identifies each correctional client's need for rehabilitative services and the availability of existing services.
• Provides case management utilizing best practices or evidence-based practices.
• Explains the scope of services available and discusses the client's rights and responsibilities in relation to the use of such services.
• Provides information to the court and may testify in court.
• Facilitates groups including cognitive behavioral groups, social skills groups, or other approved group interventions for correctional clients and their families, including group facilitation in the jail program pod.
• Performs assessments for people charged or convicted with drunk driving to determine appropriate program participation.
• Provides counseling and case management activities related to the Intoxicated Driver Program to include assistance/consultation to the OWI Treatment Court Program, monitors court compliance.
• Maintains confidentiality of client-related information, maintains respectful treatment of clients, and adheres to the La Crosse County Standards of Conduct in the Administrative Code (3.13). Adheres to approved social worker principles, methods and practices, including the National Association of Social Worker's (NASW) code of ethics.
• Maintains skill and competence levels as policies and regulations change by attending department/staff meetings and by participating in continuing training as required and appropriate.
• Reports to work when scheduled, with minimum use of sick leave. Employee is expected to build up sick leave balance for income protection for unexpected illness.
• In this public service position, employee is required to be courteous, cooperative and respectful at all times, with the public and clients. Also establishes and maintains a courteous, cooperative and respectful working relationship with other employees, supervisors, and public officials.
• Assists and provides back up to other Social Workers as necessary or required.
• This position is required to perform other duties as may be assigned or required.

Benefits

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS): A top-rated pension program.
• Affordable Insurance Premiums: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick, and 10+ paid holidays annually.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible schedules and wellness programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level