Social Services Worker 2026-02634

State of Wyoming • Lyman, WY

8d

About The Position

The Social Services Worker with the Wyoming Department of Family Services engages with individuals and families facing challenges, assesses their needs, and connects them with resources. The role supports children, adults, and high-risk juveniles through case management, treatment planning, referrals, placement monitoring, and coordination with families, facilities, community agencies, and the court system. The work can involve complex situations requiring empathy, resilience, and navigating bureaucratic processes.

The position carries a caseload and requires current case documentation. It includes developing and monitoring plans for youth in the community or in foster care and residential placements, arranging discharge plans, and supporting restitution and cognitive-skills education. The worker also prepares for and participates in court proceedings and multidisciplinary meetings, including testifying and representing high-risk juveniles in specified hearings.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, typically in Social Services, or an accepted education-and-experience substitution of 3–5 years of progressive work experience in Social Services Programs with knowledge at the Social Services Aide level.
• Alternatively, 0–2 years of progressive work experience, typically in Social Services Programs, with knowledge at the Social Services Aide level, alongside the stated education requirement.
• Knowledge of mental illnesses, medications, capacity, and competency.
• Knowledge of state and federal social-work laws, including ICWA, ICPC, AFCARS, and ASFA.
• Knowledge of the court system, juvenile protection laws, and federal and state laws.
• Successful applicants must undergo a background check, including fingerprinting through the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation, the Department of Family Services, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Nice To Haves

• A bachelor’s degree in social work, sociology, psychology, criminal justice, or administration of justice may be preferred.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that may include evenings, nights, holidays, weekends, and on-call hours may be preferred.

Responsibilities

• Determine clients’ needs for basic social services for children and adults.
• Carry a caseload and keep case-file documentation current.
• Work collaboratively with law enforcement, other professionals, and agencies.
• Work with institutions or facilities to develop and monitor comprehensive treatment plans for youth in the community or in foster care and residential placements.
• Monitor, assess, and address community service and restitution needs, and maintain a schedule of restitution responsibilities.
• Provide group educational sessions in cognitive skills to help develop pro-social behaviors.
• Develop discharge plans with the facility, youth, and family before discharge.
• Prepare for and testify in court, preliminary hearings, multidisciplinary team meetings, family partnership meetings, and court hearings.
• Appear and represent high-risk juveniles during pre-adjudication hearings, periodic reviews, status hearings, and revocation arraignments.
• Interview clients, periodically reassess their needs, and refer them to community resources or other agency personnel.
• Prepare assessments, design case plans, evaluate participant progress, and make and monitor appropriate placements.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• State retirement plan
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities

What This Job Offers

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