Social Worker - CPS IA/Access

County of Marathon•Wausau, WI

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Marathon County Department of Social Services is hiring a Child Protective Services (CPS) Initial Assessment Social Worker whose primary responsibilities will be to conduct initial assessments of alleged child abuse and neglect in accordance with required standards and State statues. The position also includes on-call responsibilities as well as performing CPS access duties when needed. Examples of Work Performed: The following duties are typical for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. Initial Assessment & On-Call (Primary Duties): Participate in the after-hours on-call rotation to respond to emergencies and new CPS reports. Conduct in-person assessments of child safety and family conditions when assigned. Implement safety and protective plans as needed; initiate temporary physical custody when necessary. Partner with law enforcement, medical providers, and community agencies during field assessments. Complete required documentation and reports in accordance with state and agency standards. CPS Access (Secondary Duties): Receive and screen reports of alleged child abuse and neglect from mandated reporters and community members. Ask detailed and structured questions to gather information and assess for present and impending danger. Apply CPS screening criteria to determine whether a report meets the threshold for a formal Initial Assessment. Collaborate with a supervisor on screening decisions, especially for urgent or complex cases. Document Access reports clearly and ensure they are submitted for supervisory review within 24 hours. Promote consistency and quality in Access decision-making and documentation practices.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a closely related human services field.
Eligibility for Social Work licensure in Wisconsin, with licensure required within 2 years of hire.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Must complete Basic Intake Worker Training (if not already completed).
Understands the County's and department's mission, core values, plans, and priorities for the future.
Ability to contribute to a positive work culture that fosters excellent customer service and teamwork.
Strong critical thinking decision-making skills.
High attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
Ability to maintain professionalism in high-stress situations
Knowledge of the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics.
Ability to integrate training and experience into practice.
Ability to establish rapport with clients, their families, and their associates so as to enable them to meet their social needs.
Effective verbal and written communication
Ability to recognize and build upon the strengths of family members.
Skill in conducting interviews, interpreting laws and procedures, and obtaining cooperation from others in difficult situations.
Skill in using a computer for e-mail, calendaring, basic word processing, and data entry.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with team members and community partners.
Ability to safely transport clients throughout Marathon County and occasionally outside the county, including during inclement weather.
As an employee of the Department of Social Services and Marathon County, you will play a crucial role in managing and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information.
This position requires a high level of impartiality, integrity, neutrality, and confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in CPS Access or Initial Assessment roles.
Training and experience in identifying present and impending danger threats.
Familiarity with Wisconsin Child Protective Services Standards and Safety Model.

Responsibilities

Participate in the after-hours on-call rotation to respond to emergencies and new CPS reports.
Conduct in-person assessments of child safety and family conditions when assigned.
Implement safety and protective plans as needed; initiate temporary physical custody when necessary.
Partner with law enforcement, medical providers, and community agencies during field assessments.
Complete required documentation and reports in accordance with state and agency standards.
Receive and screen reports of alleged child abuse and neglect from mandated reporters and community members.
Ask detailed and structured questions to gather information and assess for present and impending danger.
Apply CPS screening criteria to determine whether a report meets the threshold for a formal Initial Assessment.
Collaborate with a supervisor on screening decisions, especially for urgent or complex cases.
Document Access reports clearly and ensure they are submitted for supervisory review within 24 hours.
Promote consistency and quality in Access decision-making and documentation practices.