SOCIAL WORKER - YOUTH JUSTICE-LTE
About The Position
This is a limited-term employee position lasting six months. The Youth Justice Social Worker supports young people under age 18 who are involved with the justice system, helping them build on their strengths, develop skills, and pursue positive outcomes while remaining in their communities. The role works in partnership with youth and families using a family-systems approach and strength-based practices, and provides services in accordance with Wisconsin statutes, court policies, and applicable program, state, and federal guidelines. The Social Worker accepts referrals, assesses needs, develops and monitors case and service plans, arranges or provides services, and offers coaching and guidance related to social, emotional, educational, and health issues. The position maintains accurate case records, prepares legal and other documentation, participates in team and court proceedings, and collaborates with internal teams and external agencies. It also includes on-call duties, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and may involve other assigned duties such as supporting interns or researching grant data.
Requirements
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in Social Work or a related degree in Sociology, Psychology, or Criminal Justice.
- Wisconsin State Social Worker certification; applicants not certified when applying must have applied for a Temporary or Training Certificate and obtain regular certification within specified time limits.
- Basic computer keyboarding skills for entering client data.
- Valid driver's license and access to personal transportation or another reliable means of city and rural travel.
- Must be versed in Chapters 48, 51, 55, and 938 of the Wisconsin Statutes and administrative rules relating to detention.
- Must be available to work outside normal hours and perform on-call duties.
- Must have, or obtain within one year, 30 hours of Juvenile Court Intake training.
- Knowledge of social welfare programs, human growth and behavior, social and economic problems affecting individuals and families, public welfare laws and regulations, and community welfare and health resources.
- Ability to work with diverse populations, communicate effectively, plan and organize work, use supervision appropriately, and participate meaningfully in training.
- Knowledge of justice-involved youth behavior and adolescent development, and ability to work effectively with youth and families.
- Ability to invoke the judicial process and use statutory authority, and to make decisions with limited information under pressure.
Nice To Haves
- At least one year of experience working with youth and families and familiarity with community resources available to them.
- Wisconsin Social Worker certification at the time of hire.
- Knowledge of eWISACWIS.
Responsibilities
- Accept requests and referrals for agency services and provide social services consistent with Wisconsin statutes, court policies, and applicable program, state, and federal guidelines.
- Use a family-systems approach and strength-based practices to enhance families’ natural and informal supports.
- Assess needs and develop, implement, monitor, and modify case plans in partnership with youth and their families.
- Explain agency services and clients’ rights and responsibilities.
- Arrange or provide services based on assessments and offer coaching, modeling, and guidance addressing social, emotional, educational, and health issues.
- Conduct case evaluations and update service plans as needed.
- Maintain accurate, current case records and complete client-focused documentation, including juvenile court legal documents, correspondence, and reports, on time.
- Coordinate or participate in team meetings, committees, and task forces as assigned.
- Attend court proceedings to testify when required and provide dispositional reports within appropriate timeframes.
- Perform duties under Chapter 938 of the Wisconsin Statutes and established court procedures.
- Collaborate with team members and external agencies, and participate in an on-call rotation that includes nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Maintain client confidentiality, treat clients respectfully, follow the county Standards of Conduct and NASW ethics, and maintain professional competence through meetings and training.
- Provide courteous and respectful service to the public, clients, coworkers, supervisors, and public officials.
- Assist and provide backup to other Social Workers; assist student interns; and, as applicable, research data for youth justice program grant writing.
- Perform other duties as assigned, including work during community emergencies or disasters.
