Social Worker / Social Service Worker

Rusk, County of•Rusk County Government Center, WI

7h•Hybrid

About The Position

Rusk County is currently accepting applications for the role of Social Services Case Manager/Social Worker in our Children and Family Services Unit. This critical role offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of families and children by providing comprehensive case management services. Key responsibilities include handling child abuse and neglect intake, conducting risk assessments, developing safety plans, and overseeing Family Preservation activities to promote family stability and child safety. The role also involves working closely with family members, performing home visits, and preparing essential documentation such as court reports, safety plans, and permanency plans. The Social Services Case Manager/Social Worker must be prepared to intervene if compliance with plans is not maintained or if new risks to children arise. This position requires a proactive approach in helping families secure resources needed to uphold their safety and compliance plans. Responsibilities may also extend to Youth Justice and child protection case management in alignment with Wis. Stat. 48 & 938. This role includes an on-call component, requiring availability every 8th weekend and up to one night per week. If you are passionate about making a difference and possess the skills necessary for this impactful position, Rusk County invites you to apply and join our dedicated Children and Family Services team.

Requirements

A bachelor’s or associate degree in social work or related health and human services field.
Licensure or eligibility for licensure as a social worker through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Permanence.
Working knowledge of the needs of the recipient group and their need for integrated services.
Must possess a valid State of Wisconsin driver's license.
Knowledge of Health & Human Service Programs and community-based services.
Skill in working independently and implementing time management strategies.
Ability to work with diverse populations.
Ability to participate in and appropriately apply supervision.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with consumers, other employees, contract agencies and the general public.
Ability to understand and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to manage high levels of stress.
Considerable ability to work and make appropriate decisions independently.

Nice To Haves

Previous social worker experience preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Provides community services per Wisconsin statutes, court policies, and/or requirements of program, state, or federal guidelines.
Provides linkage to consumers requesting other agency services.
In collaboration with the consumer and his/her supports, conducts comprehensive, strength-based assessments through interviews, home visits and collecting of collateral information.
In collaboration with the consumer and his/her supports, determines the range and type of services needed for preventative or rehabilitative services.
Explains the scope of services and discusses consumer’s rights and responsibilities in relation to the use of services.
Arranges or provides for appropriate services for consumers based on their assessed needs.
In collaboration with the consumer, his/her supports, and other providers, assess ongoing consumer needs while developing and updating service plans to address needs.
Maintains documentation that meets professional practice, billing expectations, and program standards.
Prepares correspondence, reports, and records as necessary and appropriate.
Coordinates and participates in recovery teams with the goal of bringing people together to collaboratively work with and for consumers.
Coordinates and monitors ongoing delivery of services to consumers.
Participates in committees and task forces as assigned.
Testifies in court as necessary or required.
Provides and complies with all crisis program service requirements.
Participates as a team member of Rusk County’s mobile crisis unit, requiring on call services before, during, and after core work hours.
Must be able to respond in-person and/or telephonically when required to mitigate crisis situations.
This position is required to perform other duties as may be assigned or required.
Under direction of Supervisor this position may at times be required to work overtime hours or shifts.
Remains current with licensure/certification and new evidenced-based practices by attending continuing education courses and seminars or through other sources of information.
Adheres to approved evidenced-based practice principles, methods and practices, confidentiality and code of ethics.
Interview clients individually, in families, or in groups, assessing their situations, capabilities, and needs, to determine what services are required to meet their needs.
Counsel individuals, groups, families, or communities regarding issues including mental health, poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, physical abuse, rehabilitation, social adjustment, child care, and/or medical care.
Counsel students whose behavior, school progress, or mental or physical impairment indicate a need for assistance, diagnosing students' problems and arranging for needed services.
Consult with parents, teachers, and other school personnel to determine causes of problems such as truancy and misbehavior, and to implement solutions.
Counsel parents with child rearing problems, interviewing the child and family to determine whether further action is required.
Collect supplementary information needed to assist client, such as employment records, medical records, or school reports.
Provide, find, or arrange for support services, such as child care, homemaker service, prenatal care, substance abuse treatment, job training, counseling, or parenting classes, to prevent more serious problems from developing.
Refer clients to community resources for services such as job placement, debt counseling, legal aid, housing, medical treatment, or financial assistance, and provide concrete information, such as where to go and how to apply.
Arrange for medical, psychiatric, and other tests that may disclose causes of difficulties and indicate remedial measures.
Evaluate personal characteristics and home conditions of foster home or adoptive applicants.
Place children in foster or adoptive homes, institutions, or medical treatment centers.
Responsible primarily for own work assignments.
May provide training or assistance to others.