Case Manager, Social Worker I/II - Ongoing Child Protection

POSITION SUMMARY: 
This position is responsible for providing needs assessment, crisis intervention, case planning, advocacy, and community resource development services to children and adults with varying abilities and support needs. 
  
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be required and assigned. 

• Works to engage clients, families, natural supports, and relevant community partners (e.g. schools, courts, healthcare providers) in collaborative problem-solving and service planning.  
• Conducts timely assessments of client needs, including crisis evaluations, and develops goal-oriented, time-limited service plans.  Engages community resources as needed.
• Supports safety and stability of vulnerable populations by working to protect children, elderly, and at-risk adults, preserve family units, and prevent unnecessary out-of-home placements.
• Advises consumers 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 service delivery and client progress, and terminates services when goals are attained.
• Coordinates services and educates consumers on navigating community resources, avoiding duplication of effort, and ensuring effective use of available resources.
• Maintains comprehensive case records, prepares documentation, and completes required assessments and reports.
• Develops and maintains professional knowledge and skills to enhance the programs and services provided.
• May facilitate treatment and/or other related, indicated services with groups of clients.
• May provide community outreach and education to promote public awareness of available services and support systems.
• May work across supervision areas within Health and Human Services as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES   

• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and applicable state statutes that affect the delivery of services provided by the Department.
• Knowledge of community resources, and alternative care resources.
• Knowledge of applicable state statutes.
• 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 social casework, interviewing, and supportive counseling techniques.
• Ability to analyze facts and exercise sound judgment in arriving at conclusions.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with ability to prepare accurate, clear, and concise records and reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, associates and the general public.
• Ability to read and understand department, County, and State programs, policies, and procedures.
• Proficiency in standard office functions including accurate typing, data entry, operating standard office equipment, and applying knowledge of current office practices and software. 
• Ability to understand and effectively carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to develop, interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; Federal, State, and local regulations. 
• Ability to maintain discretion regarding business-related files, reports, and conversations, in accordance with open records law and applicable State and Federal Statutes and Regulations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize competing demands and perform accurate, detailed work independently under time constraints.
• Ability to work the allocated hours of the position, including an on-call rotation for after normal business hours as assigned, per division.

LANGUAGE SKILLS   

• Ability to communicate effectively with members of the staff, supervisors, and the public. 
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both written and verbal form. 
• Must be proficient in workplace English and spelling.
• Ability to read County policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; SDS sheets, safety manuals, maps, etc.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS 

• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations. 

REASONING ABILITY 

• Ability to define problems and deal with a variety of situations.
• Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations. 

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: 
The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law.  Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee’s supervisor.   

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; regular sitting; frequent standing, speaking or hearing; use of hands to handle or feel; repetitive motions; occasional walking, stooping, kneeling, or crouching; and reaching with hands and arms.
• Standard vision requirements.
• Vocal communication required to express or exchange ideas verbally.
• Hearing required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines, and observing surroundings and activities.
• Frequent travel may involve exposure to inclement weather conditions, unsanitary conditions in homes, communicable illnesses and diseases and unsafe environments.
• May involve interaction with individuals who are hostile, aggressive, abusive or violent, posing potentially threatening conditions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

• Work settings may include office environments, clients' and service providers' homes, detention centers, correctional facilities, treatment and residential facilities, health care centers, schools, courts, remote locations, County work sites, and various community locations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 
  
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS 
  
Case Manager:

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, criminal justice, or other human service program. 
• Previous practical experience preferred.
• Appointment is conditional upon successful completion of a caregiver and criminal background check.

Social Worker I: 

• Bachelor's degree in social work or closely related field.
• State of Wisconsin Social Worker Certification.
• Additional experience, training, or certifications may be required for the specific Division assigned.
• Appointment is conditional upon successful completion of a caregiver and criminal background check.

Social Worker II: 

• Bachelor's degree in social work or closely related field.
• State of Wisconsin Social Worker Certification.
• Additional experience, training, or certifications may be required for the specific Division assigned.
• Two (2) years’ previous experience as a Social Worker.
• Appointment is conditional upon successful completion of a caregiver and criminal background check.