Salary: $65,666.00 – $69,014.00 Annually
Location : Appleton, WI
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2302585
Department: DHHS Child Protective Services
Opening Date: 06/13/2023
Typical Work Hours/Shift:: Work hours are generally Monday through Friday between 8 am to 4:30 pm with flexibility to work evenings to meet client needs. On call coverage is required for this position.
CORE VALUES
Invested in Serving
Devoted to positively impacting our communities
Better Together
Inspire unity by promoting collaboration, trust and respect
Create Progress
Encourage growth through innovation to advance and succeed
Support Through Compassion
Prioritize one another through communication, inclusion and transparency to bolster our community
Position Purpose
Social Work Specialists provide professional social work services to individuals and families, helping them overcome personal, family, health, and economic problems. This Social Work Staff Development Specialist position will carry a partial caseload, perform all duties of the social work specialist (I-V) position, and in conjunction with the supervisor, assist in the initial training and orientation of new Child Protection staff.
Hours for this role are:
Work hours are generally Monday through Friday between 8 am to 4:30 pm with the flexibility to work evenings to meet client needs. On-call coverage is required for this position. The position does offer the opportunity to apply to work remotely up to one day per week based on training needs.
Key Responsibilities
The following duties are most critical for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
- Assists in the training of new CPS social work specialists by providing a comprehensive overview of the child welfare process, which will include staff shadowing and the incorporation of eWiSACWIS in the process of teaching and maintaining knowledge/experience specific to child welfare practice including changes in standards of practice.
- Guides staff through child welfare preservice modules and new worker foundation training with continued follow up. Reviews and assists with documentation submitted by newly hired child protection staff. Assists in the day-to-day case management teaching to include the court process and required documentation.
- Assess reports of child abuse or neglect to determine validity of the report and legal basis for involvement, observing and interviewing family members, and collateral contacts.
- Determines, through interviews, assessments, home visits, investigations, etc., the range of services needed by individuals, families, explaining the services and discussing the client’s rights and responsibilities.
- Recommends services from other resources, arranging for appointments and establishing connections with those providers to meet the clients’ needs.
- Provides counseling and protective support services for clients who are in at risk situations.
- Maintains case histories, and completes appropriate paperwork according to department policy while maintaining client confidentiality by following HIPAA and Agency Confidentiality policies.
- Provides court related services including preparing and writing court reports, court conditions, testimony, and other related paperwork.
- Assisting clients in developing inner strengths and maximizing informal supports and resources.
- Foster client’s growth by interpreting attitudes and patterns of behavior; explaining and identifying new options and being strength based in the exchange.
- Monitors case plans and provides feedback to clients and other interested parties on follow-up actions required.
- Provides on-call services as assigned.
- Attends staff meetings, in service and outside agency training sessions.
- Complies with all local, state, and federal laws governing clients and rendering of services.
Education/Certifications/Experience Requirements
- Must have a valid State of Wisconsin Social Worker Certification.
- A Master’s Degree in Social Work Preferred.
- At least 5 years of experience in child welfare.
- Experience in training role or environment preferred.
- Any position requiring On-Call or Intake Duties under Chapters 48 or 938 must also have a State of Wisconsin Juvenile Intake Certification within 6 months of hire.
- Complete the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) certification and all recertification requirements.
- Complete minimal facts interviewing training and keep up to date with all updates.
- Or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Required or Preferred Skills
- Knowledge of and ability to apply social work principles and methods, including having a basic knowledge of human development, child development, neurodevelopmental science, developmental psychopathology, treatment planning, parenting, and how to work with vulnerable populations.
- Knowledge of Wisconsin Children’s Code, Indian Child Welfare Act, and Juvenile Court policies and procedures.
- Maintain objectivity and positive outlook while dealing with negative situations using tact and diplomacy while maintaining professionalism.
- Maintain accurate and complete records keeping up with agency documentation policies and maintaining confidentiality.
- Work independently making sound timely decisions and having the skill to determine when supervision is necessary.
- Manage time effectively keeping organized and prioritizing tasks in a manner that keeps up with all of the paperwork demands. This includes being punctual, reliable and dependable keeping with the Agency’s work hours.
- Manage conflict through the use of motivational interviewing techniques, conflict resolution techniques and to promote open and transparent communication.
- Knowledge of and ability to use computer software and equipment including Outlook, The Clinical Manager, e-Wisacwis, copy machine, fax and dictation.
- Comply with all safety regulations including a valid driver’s license in the State of Wisconsin, documentation of car insurance and installing car seats.
- Communicate in English and understand and follow written and oral instructions. This includes having excellent writing skills.
- May be required to have flexibility in hours worked or work extra hours as required and to perform other duties not normally assigned as required by supervisor/manager.
- Responds to Agencies/Divisions Emergency/Disaster Plan.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with a wide variety of collateral resources: law enforcement, Juvenile Court, hospitals, attorneys, school, etc.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects up to 20 pounds, understanding and utilizing proper body mechanics.
OUTAGAMIE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, THE COUNTY WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND ENCOURAGES BOTH PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEES AND INCUMBENTS TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL ACCOMMODATIONS WITH THE EMPLOYER.
Outagamie County offers Benefit options and paid time off for team members that work 20+ or more hours per week. Learn more today by visiting: https://www.outagamie.org/government/departments-f-m/human-resources/employee-benefits-booklet
OUTAGAMIE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL-OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, THE COUNTY WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND ENCOURAGES BOTH PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEES AND INCUMBENTS TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL ACCOMMODATIONS WITH THE EMPLOYER.
OUTAGAMIE COUNTY OFFERS A COMPREHENSIVE AND HIGHLY COMPETITIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE TO ITS EMPLOYEES.
LEVELS OF BENEFITS CAN VARY BASED ON EMPLOYMENT STATUS AND EMPLOYEE GROUP.
Medical Coverage
Outagamie County currently offers eligible employees a Low-Deductible Health Plan and a High Deductible Health Plan with a Health Savings Account (HSA). Each of these plans are available for single or family coverage at affordable rates.
Dental Coverage
Eligible employees may choose either single, limited family, or family coverage.
Vision Coverage
Outagamie County offers single, employee plus one, employee plus children, and family voluntary vision insurance for those that are benefit eligible. Vision insurance coverage provides an opportunity for employees to save money on routine vision exams, contacts, eyeglass frames, and lenses.
Life Insurance
Outagamie County provides group life insurance for full-time employees. The cost of this coverage is paid for in full by the County.
Voluntary Short-Term Disability Insurance
Short-Term Disability pays the employee a portion of his or her income for a specified period of time, as determined by the plan. The Short-Term Disability plan provides coverage for injuries and illnesses that occur outside of work. The premium for this coverage is paid entirely by the employee and is available to active employees that meet the hours threshold requirements.
Long-Term Disability Insurance
All regular, non-union full-time employees are eligible for long-term disability coverage. Premiums are fully paid by the County.
Wisconsin Retirement System
Wisconsin Retirement Program helps provide for financial security during retirement. Monthly annuity payments at retirement are calculated using years of creditable service, average earnings (based on three highest years of earnings), formula factors, age at retirement and selected annuity option.
The retirement plan consists of two parts: an employee-required portion and an employer-required portion. Outagamie County pays the employer portion, and employees are responsible for paying the employee-required portion, which is determined by the state each year. Enrollment is required for eligible employees. Eligibility is determined based on Wisconsin Retirement System plan rules.
Flexible Spending Account Plan
The Flexible Spending Account Plan saves money by allowing the employee to pay for certain medical related expenses and dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis, reducing annual taxable income resulting in Federal, State, Social Security, and Medicare tax savings.
Employee Assistance Program
Outagamie County has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The services offered as part of the County’s plan are a benefit provided at no cost to its employees and their immediate family members to help deal with life’s stresses. EAP consists of caring individuals who are certified counselors. They offer professional support and direction towards resolving problems or concerns. They can also help by referring the employee to another resource if assistance is needed beyond the EAP.
Paid Time Off
Outagamie County offers several paid time off benefits that include: vacation, personal holidays, national holidays, sick leave, bereavement leave and military leave.
Deferred Compensation
Deferred Compensation allows employees to set aside pre-tax earnings toward retirement. Employees can save up to 100% of their compensation, to a maximum of $20,500 annually, or as little as $10.00 per paycheck. The amount deferred reduces year-end state and federal income tax base. All the earnings will accrue tax-deferred until such time as the assets are withdrawn, generally at retirement, termination, or other special circumstances. There is also an after-tax 457 Roth contribution option.
Wellness Program
The Wellness Program promotes health and wellness of employees and their families by providing many services and benefits such as: a fitness facility, learning seminars, ongoing wellness activities, stress seminars, etc.
If you would like to learn more, please click below about benefits.
01
Please describe your experience in training and developing staff?
02
This position requires excellent communication skills. Please describe your communication skills written, and oral, and your experience with public speaking.
03
This position requires social work certification, do you currently hold a valid Wisconsin Social Work Certification?
- Yes
- No
Required Question