Social Work Lead Children and Families

Door County Wisconsin•Sturgeon Bay, WI

About The Position

This position provides expert social work services within the Children and Families Division by performing high-level, complex work related to Child Protective Services (CPS) and Youth Justice (YJ). Operating in a collaborative team environment, the position ensures statutory compliance and family-centered interventions across intake, assessment, and case management functions. It also offers leadership support through consultation, decision-making authority in the absence of management, and technical assistance to peers.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a closely related human services field from an accredited college or university.
Valid driver’s license.
Critical Thinking: Analyzes complex family dynamics and legal requirements to make sound, defensible decisions under pressure.
Communication: Clearly conveys sensitive information in written reports and verbal testimony; adapts communication style for diverse audiences including families, legal professionals, and community partners.
Judgment & Ethics: Maintains high ethical standards, respects professional boundaries, and exercises discretion in decision-making.
Collaboration: Works effectively with peers, management, and interdisciplinary teams to support family safety and well-being.
Technical Proficiency: Proficient in case management systems, including eWiSACWIS, and standard office software; adapts to new technologies as needed.
Problem Solving: Identifies service needs, explores intervention strategies, and adjusts case plans to address emerging risks and barriers.
Confidentiality- Maintains confidentiality regarding staffing updates and information about staff in the unit.

Nice To Haves

Certification as a Social Worker or higher with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
Previous experience in social or human services, with a focus on children, youth, and families, and/or experience in a leadership or mentorship role.

Responsibilities

Receives and screens reports of child abuse and neglect, conducts initial information-gathering interviews, and determines the appropriateness of referrals for CPS intervention.
Conducts Juvenile Court intake by interviewing youth, families, and relevant stakeholders; recommends disposition; coordinates legal documentation and ensures compliance with court procedures.
Leads CPS Initial Assessments by investigating screened-in reports, developing and monitoring safety plans, initiating court action when necessary, and coordinating protective placements.
Provides ongoing CPS and YJ case management by developing family service or permanency plans, monitoring compliance, coordinating interventions, and facilitating reunification or alternate permanency goals.
Serves as a lead worker by offering technical support, reviewing and approving written work, participating periodically in after-hours on-call consultation, and making screening decisions in the absence of the Children and Families Services Manager.
Collaborates with clients using a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to build engagement and support behavior change toward safety and stability.
Maintains timely, accurate, and confidential documentation using eWiSACWIS and prepares reports and legal documents for court proceedings.
Coordinates with internal teams, community partners, and legal professionals to ensure integrated service delivery and compliance with statutes.
Provides after-hours juvenile custody intake services and participates in rotational on-call scheduling to ensure 24/7 coverage.
Supports the development and implementation of restorative justice practices by integrating accountability, competency-building, and community protection principles.
Offers backup coverage across all unit functions as needed and cross-trains to support operational continuity.