Social Worker/Case Manager - Adult Services Unit

Douglas County • Douglas County Superior, WI

9h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Full-Time Adult Services Social Worker aids adults (18+) with several statutory and non-statutory services. These services include information and referral, Ch. 51 commitment, Ch. 54/55 Guardianship and protective placement, Adult Protection investigations, Community Support Program Mental Health Screen, Intoxicated Driver Program assessments, Treatment Court, WATTS reviews and case management. Employees work under close supervision and are expected to develop knowledge of the laws, policies, and administrative procedures for county social work programs. They will need to learn the principles of human behavior and development, to develop interviewing and assessment skills, have caseload management skills, and the ability to use community resources. Social Workers will be required to demonstrate competency in ethical practice, writing skills, court testimony and reports, judgment and decision making, responsibility and accountability, resource and fiscal awareness and interpersonal skills. Full-time based on 37.5 hours per week. Wage based on 2026 salary grade, $28.96-$31.31 per hour. Douglas County is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work preferred; Bachelor’s degree in Human Services field with at minimum one-year work experience is acceptable.
• AODA Certification along with human services degree would be strongly considered.
• Ability and willingness to become Wisconsin Social Work certified per statue 457.08 (1) and/or 457.09(1) may be necessary during course of employment and is preferred.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with proof of insurance for transporting and/or making appointments with clientele.
• Computer knowledge (Microsoft Office products and on-line programs).
• Financial aptitude; strong written and oral communication skills.
• Working knowledge of social and economic factors which influence family life.
• Develops a working knowledge of behavioral health disorders and primary means of treatment.
• Understands principles of human behavior and development and psychological defense mechanisms.
• Knowledge of community resources, public social service, and assistance programs, and how to access them; ability to utilize community and agency resources effectively to meet client needs
• Interviewing techniques and problem-solving methodology.
• Possess the ability to interview effectively, gather information, and engage clients in the problem-solving process.
• Knowledge of reactions to stress.
• Working knowledge of social casework objectives, principles, methods, and caseload management and organization.
• Knowledge of the specialized and more difficult program area assigned.
• Knowledge of the laws, policies, and administrative procedures of county social service programs.
• Understanding and the ability to recognize warning signs of use and abuse of medications may be required to certain positions.
• Successfully facilitates wrap around team meetings while focusing on strengths, accurately listening, and developing trust of team members.
• Applies casework skills to identify the client's needs; possess the ability to formulate and modify case plans in conjunction with clients.
• Ability to manage an assigned caseload and establish caseload priorities to meet client needs and agency expectations with effectiveness and efficiency.
• Understands and explains agency limitations, regulations and policies.
• Maintains current and accurate records.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, clients, providers, and staff of other agencies.
• Ability to seek out and use community and agency resources related to service needs.
• Facilitate maximum client participation in service plans.
• Proficiency in use of computer and designated software programs and/or to obtain proficiency within 6 months of assuming the position.
• Ability to interact constructively with a variety of people in all aspects of the duties of this position.
• Communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, ensures understanding, and conveys information accurately.
• Collaborates effectively with colleagues, contributes to group efforts, and fosters a cooperative and supportive work environment to achieve common goals.
• Takes responsibility for and makes informed decisions, follows through on commitments, and ensures tasks are completed accurately and on time.
• Takes proactive steps to address opportunities and challenges, shows a strong drive to achieve results, and goes above and beyond.
• Demonstrates a strong desire to achieve goals, seeks continuous improvement, and strives for excellence in all endeavors.
• Identifies and addresses conflicts promptly, mediates disputes, and fosters a collaborative environment.
• Demonstrates a strong awareness of safety protocols, promotes a safe work environment, and ensures compliance with safety regulations and county policies.
• Shows tolerance for different perspectives, remains patient and open-minded, and fosters an inclusive environment.
• This position will be required to perform non-sedentary and sedentary work.
• Non-sedentary work includes walking distances on uneven surfaces and climbing stairs; standing and sitting variable times; carrying a laptop computer and other materials simultaneously; and ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• May require field visits, sometimes in buildings or terrains that are not handicapped accessible.
• Requirements include driving a vehicle to and from appointments.
• Must maintain a valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work preferred
• AODA Certification along with human services degree would be strongly considered.
• Ability and willingness to become Wisconsin Social Work certified per statue 457.08 (1) and/or 457.09(1) may be necessary during course of employment and is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Intake and Information/Referral: All social workers are assigned at least one day per week in which they are the “intake” social worker. During this time, they are responsible for both over the phone and walk-in intakes. Engage in active listening, motivational interviewing and thorough record keeping. Provide the intake with appropriate information to address the issue raised or forward a referral to the supervisor and team for assignment. Case management is provided in the moment when needed while on intake and may include immediate action such as a home visit or court filing. Provide the names and numbers for community resources.
• Mental Health and Chemical Addiction Civil Commitments: All civil commitments have an initial timeline of 72 hours. The social worker is responsible for acting within the timeline. Interview and gather records necessary to make a commitment decision. Coordinate with Corporation Counsel and develop the petition for civil commitment. Attend court sessions, both probable cause and final hearing. Contact and coordinate with physicians necessary for the final hearing. Provide case management to the individual on commitment. This will include ongoing evaluation of treatment conditions, developing plans for least restrictive and develop resources for the individual. Maintain communication with Corporation Counsel pertaining to the progress of the individual and any ongoing need for other legal interventions including extension of commitment, move to more restrictive and emergency detention.
• Adult Protection/Guardianship/Protective Placement/WATTS : Conduct adult protection investigations per state guidance. Determine whether a case proceeds as an adult protection intervention or an adult at risk/elder abuse intervention. Coordinate with Corporation Counsel in the development of the petition for Guardianship/Protective placement. Coordination of necessary legal resources including evaluation, documentation, witnesses. Address case management milieu issues associated with the development of a plan or ongoing care. Assisting the client with access to information and assisting with acquiring necessary resources. Conduct an annual WATTS review for each individual in placement to determine continued eligibility. Maintain a quarterly provide meeting per the state contract.
• Intoxicated Driver Program : Received certification for the conducting of Intoxicated Driver Program (IDP) assessments. Note, certification is only possible if the worker has a social work degree or a SAC/SAC IT. Conduct scheduled IDP assessments. Provide “in time” case management as needed.
• Other Responsibilities : Engage in community outreach and education. Gain certification in and conduct Mental Health screen for the Community Support Program. Provide a presence and coordination on the Treatment Court Team. Participate on Committees as designated by the Adult Services Supervisor. Develops and presents information to management, public groups and various committees as designated by supervisor. Provide crisis support when needed. Perform other duties as required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Benefits

• Annual wage increase based on eligibility
• Paid, on-the-job training and advancement opportunities
• 85% county contribution to health and dental premiums
• Health Savings Account (HSA) available to all employees enrolled in the county's medical plan, with annual contributions provided by the employer and the health plan
• Wisconsin Retirement- One of the most well managed retirement systems in the nation- Contributions are paid according to current year rates set by WRS Employee Trust Fund. Refer to www.etf.wi.gov for further detail
• County-paid Life Insurance Policy – coverage equivalent to annual salary - affordable Supplemental, Additional, and Spousal/Dependent coverage available at employee’s expense
• Competitive paid time off including vacation, sick time, and personal days.
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Employer

What This Job Offers

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