Social Worker I, II, or III- Adult Protective Services

Dodge County • Juneau, WI

22h • Hybrid

About The Position

This position involves working within Adult Protective Services to protect children, the elderly, and at-risk adults. The role focuses on assessing client needs, developing service plans, and coordinating with various community resources to ensure client safety and autonomy. Responsibilities include crisis intervention, case management, advocacy, and maintaining accurate records. The position requires developing and maintaining professional knowledge, participating in staff development, and consulting with supervisors and other professionals. There is an on-call rotation requirement for after-hours support. The role may also involve public education and facilitating group services.

Requirements

• Social Worker I: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and eligible for Social Work national exam within timeframes established by the County; or Bachelor’s degree in a related Human Services program from accredited university and eligible to enroll in SWTC-approved courses to secure State of Wisconsin Social Work Training certificate within timeframes established by the County.
• Social Worker II: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or approved equivalent Bachelor’s degree in a related Human Services program from an accredited university and possesses current Social Work Certification within the State of Wisconsin.
• Social Worker III: Master’s degree in Social Work and possesses current Social Work Certification within the State of Wisconsin.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations that affect the delivery of services provided by the Department.
• Knowledge of community resources, and alternative care resources.
• Knowledge of applicable State statutes.
• Working knowledge of mental health and AODA assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Working knowledge of client rights, confidentiality, standards of practice, and ethics in mental health/AODA field.
• Working knowledge of applicable Wisconsin State Administrative Codes, including but not limited to, Chapters 34, 37, 46, 48, 51, 54, 55, 56, 58, 75, 938.
• Knowledge of human development and behavior, family, and group dynamics, and mental, physical, and social dysfunctions.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to cultural differences and special needs of various minority groups, and ability to consult with other staff regarding these.
• Ability and skill to relate to clients in stressful or crisis situations.
• General knowledge of interviewing and supportive counseling techniques.
• General knowledge of social casework techniques.
• Knowledge of social, economic, and health problems of basic human behavior and of available assistance and rehabilitative services and techniques.
• Knowledge of human service needs assessment methodologies.
• Knowledge of legal requirements including privacy, resident rights, confidentiality, and non-discrimination.
• Knowledge of goals, principles, and practices of human service programs, program administration, and program goals and their intended impacts.
• Knowledge of the County and Department’s operating requirements, policies, procedures, and practices; and local, State, and Federal regulations related to department programs and operations.
• Skill in analyzing complex administrative information and issues, defining problems and evaluating alternatives, and recommending methods, procedures, and techniques for resolution of issues.
• Ability to research and analyze detailed information and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to develop, interpret and implement regulations, policies, procedures, written instructions, general correspondence, and other department-specific documents.
• Ability to adapt and take control of situations, dictating subordinate activities in a responsible manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain accurate records of assigned activities and operations.
• Ability to interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; Federal, State, and local regulations.
• Skill in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.
• Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits requiring minimal direction and supervision.
• Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
• Knowledge of current office practices and procedures and knowledge of the operation of standard office equipment and software.
• Knowledge of computer software including word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications consistent for this position.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations required of this position.
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively in English in both written and verbal form.
• Skill in researching and understanding complex written materials.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.
• Ability to apply sound judgment and discretion in performing duties, resolving problems, and interpreting policies and regulations.
• Ability to communicate detailed and often sensitive information effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to handle sensitive interpersonal situations calmly and tactfully.
• Ability to maintain professionalism at all times.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with individuals within and outside the organization.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding business-related files, reports, and conversations, within the provisions of open records laws and other applicable State and Federal statutes and regulations.
• Ability to work the allocated hours of the position and respond after hours as needed.

Nice To Haves

• May facilitate treatment and/or other related, indicated services with groups of clients.
• May be designated to speak to the community and other organizations to provide public education.

Responsibilities

• Works to achieve involvement and participation of the client, client's family, and client's natural support system in resolving problems.
• Works with clients to assess and develop goal-oriented, time-limited service plans to address identified needs.
• Works to protect children, elderly, and at-risk adults; strives to maintain existing family units and individual autonomy in the community; or helps prevent out-of-home placement.
• Assesses and evaluates prospective client’s immediate situation, determines appropriate response, and assures that response is made.
• Assesses and intervenes as necessary in crisis situations.
• Refers to and involves other community resources as needed.
• Works to achieve active involvement and meaningful participation from schools, Courts, health care providers, law enforcement, and other appropriate community resources in resolving problems.
• Advises clients when services are either not available or inappropriate.
• Explains the consequences of non-compliance with Court orders to clients who are involuntarily referred, monitors client utilization of services, and informs the Court of consumer's adherence to Court orders.
• Coordinates access to services, monitors cases to ensure services are provided in an appropriate and timely manner, reviews progress, and terminates services when goals are attained.
• Teaches clients about available community resources and how to independently gain access to needed services.
• Advocates and works to coordinate services and support clients in achieving treatment objectives without duplication of effort and with maximum effective use of staff time and available resources.
• Maintains a timely and complete record for all assigned cases; completes required written assessments, reports, and other related paperwork/documentation as necessary.
• Develops and maintains professional knowledge and skills to enhance the programs and services provided.
• Attends and participates in staff development programs, including in-service training, staff meetings, and professional trainings/conferences.
• Consults with supervisors, interdisciplinary teams, and legal counsel on appropriate case-specific matters, as necessary.
• May facilitate treatment and/or other related, indicated services with groups of clients.
• May be designated to speak to the community and other organizations to provide public education.
• Participates in an on-call rotation for after normal business hours as assigned, per division.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off (PTO) – available for use after 30 days of employment
• 10 observed paid holidays
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) – with employer contributions - HRA
• Life insurance, Long-term disability, Short-term disability and Flex spending
• Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) – an exceptional pension plan with employer match (upon vesting) and lifetime retirement payment.

What This Job Offers

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