Social Worker - CPS Initial Assessment/Access

Marathon County•Wausau, WI

14d•Hybrid

About The Position

Marathon County Department of Social Services is hiring a Child Protective Services (CPS) Social Worker whose primary responsibilities will focus on CPS Access, the initial point of contact for all child abuse and neglect reports. This critical role ensures timely, accurate, and thorough screening of reports received via the Access line. The position also includes on-call responsibilities and may perform initial assessments when necessary to ensure child safety. 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. Examples of Work Performed: The following duties are typical of this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in social work or a closely related field required.
Social work certification at time of hire OR obtained within two years of hire is also required. At time of offer, if a candidate is not eligible to take the open book online State statute exam and the subsequent in person State certification exam, they may be hired as a case manager until eligible to take the State exams.
NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS: Possession of a driver's license and a driving record that meets County standards.
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.

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

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.
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.