SOCIAL WORKER - CPS ACCESS UNIT

About La Crosse County:

At La Crosse County, we are committed to creating a vibrant, safe, and inclusive community. Guided by our Strategic Plan, we focus on economic growth, environmental stewardship, affordable housing, and robust public services that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

Why Join La Crosse County?

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS): A top\-rated pension program.
• Affordable Insurance Premiums: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick, and 10\+ paid holidays annually.
• Work\-Life Balance: Flexible schedules and wellness programs.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB):

At La Crosse County, we believe that diversity strengthens our community. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued.

La Crosse County Human Services is seeking a Social Worker with professionalism, compassion, and commitment to child and family safety to join our Child Protective Services (CPS) Access Unit.

In this vital front\-line role, you will be the first point of contact for community members reporting concerns of abuse, neglect, or requesting support. You’ll gather, assess, and document information in accordance with CPS Access and Initial Assessment Standards to make informed recommendations regarding whether statutory criteria for assessment are met. Working closely with the Access Supervisor and CPS team, you’ll ensure high\-quality screening, effective communication, and consistent decision\-making that promote safety and stability for children and families.

This position includes periodic after\-hours on\-call coverage and may assist with other CPS functions as needed.

Overview

FLSA: Exempt This is an entry level Social Work position in the Human Services Department under the Family \& Children's Section. The majority of the work in Child Protective Services (CPS) is centered around building relationships with parents/caregivers, who may struggle with personal issues such as mental health and/or substance abuse, and who are often involuntarily involved with CPS. Through these relationships the social worker will work to identify the root causes of the behaviors or conditions within the family that are creating the safety concern for the child(ren) and develop a treatment plan around the needs of the family. This position provides case management, services, and support to parents and/or caregivers so as to assist them in being able to demonstrate whether or not they are able to safely parent and meet the needs of their child(ren). This position also provides court related services in accordance with the Children's Code (Chapter 48\) as it pertains to children in need of protection or services. Work is performed under supervision of a Human Services Supervisor.

Essential Leadership Functions

Act with Integrity and Build Trust

• Demonstrate mutual respect, humility, and honesty in all interactions
• Speak up appropriately, even when expressing unpopular viewpoints
• Actively listen and remain open\-minded to diverse perspectives

Drive for Results

• Set clear goals and objectives to motivate self and others to achieve outcomes
• Seek new opportunities to improve processes and drive sustainable results
• Hold self and others accountable through consistent evaluation and monitoring

Develop Talent and Effective Teams

• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and growth
• Provide mentorship and support to help self and others reach full potential
• Recognize and leverage diverse strengths within self and team

Lead with Vision and Strategy

• Understand and communicate a compelling vision that aligns with organizational goals
• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to achieve long\-term objectives
• Connect daily work to the bigger picture, inspiring self and others to contribute meaningfully

Lead with Paradoxical, Critical, and Agile Thinking

• Navigate complex situations by considering multiple perspectives
• Adapt quickly to changes and uncertainties in the work environment
• Make critical decisions using analytical skills, experience, and input from others

Build and Maintain Effective Relationships

• Communicate and collaborate effectively with stakeholders across the organization
• Influence others through coaching, consulting, and team\-minded thinking
• Develop and sustain partnerships that create positive outcomes for all stakeholders

Cultivate Community Engagement and Provide Excellent Service

• Understand and address the needs and concerns of the community
• Incorporate community perspectives into decision\-making processes
• Drive initiatives that create positive impacts beyond the organization

Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence

• Show self\-awareness and manage emotions effectively in challenging situations
• Seek and respond constructively to feedback, even in the face of setbacks
• Balance empathy with accountability when leading self and working with others

Essential Job Functions

Works as a member of a team and utilizes a family\-centered, strength\-based approach.

Integrates new knowledge, initiatives and approaches when working with families such as, trauma informed care, in\-home safety services and signs of safety.

The majority of the work is done out in the community and in family’s homes. Must be comfortable with going in to varying levels of home settings.

Receives, documents, and analyzes reports of alleged child maltreatment.

Conducts thorough assessments through interviews, home visits and collateral contacts, to determine the range of services needed by these individuals and their families for preventative, remedial or rehabilitative services.

Researches and secures informal supports to alleviate the need for formal services and ensure the family's success in the long term.

Coordinates or participates in family team meetings to bring both informal supports and formal service providers together to discuss how best to support the parent in making the necessary changes to ensure safety of their child.

Provides social services per Wisconsin Statutes, court policies, and/or requirements of the program, state, or federal guidelines.

In preparation for court hearings, writes court reports and permanency plans. May have to testify or provide information during court hearings. Maintains case records containing pertinent, accurate and current information.

Fully completes required documentation in a timely fashion and in accordance with program requirements.

Conducts ongoing safety and case evaluations to develop and update treatment plans to promote the child's safety, well\-being, and permanency to lead to case closure. Permanency is achieved through reunification, transfer of guardianship or a termination of parental rights/adoption.

Maintains skill and competence levels as policies and regulations change by attending department/staff meetings and by participating in continuing training as required and appropriate.

Maintains confidentiality of client\-related information, maintains respectful treatment of clients, and adheres to the La Crosse County Standards of Conduct in the Administrative Code (3\.13\).

Adheres to approved social worker principles, methods, and practices, including the National Association of Social Worker's (NASW) code of ethics.

Performs after hours on\-call and intake duties, which includes working nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating basis.

Reports to work when scheduled, with minimum use of sick leave. Employee is expected to build up sick leave balance for income protection for unexpected illness.

In this public service position, employee is required to be courteous, cooperative and respectful at all times, with the public and clients. Also establishes and maintains a courteous, cooperative and respectful working relationship with other employees, supervisors, and public officials.

Physical demands: Large percentage of time is spent talking and hearing. Approximately half of time is spent sitting and using near and far vision, low fingering. A limited amount of time is spent standing, walking, climbing (using feet and legs), reaching, low to medium lifting and carrying (up to 35 lbs). Occasionally transports/carries a child or assists in transferring an adult. Occasionally it is necessary to stoop, kneel, and bend/twist. There is the threat of physical attack or injury from clients in unusual situations. Uses automobile, telephones, copy machines, computer/keyboard, dictating equipment.

Related Job Functions

Assists and provides back up to other Social Workers as necessary or required.

May be required to work nights, weekends, or during community emergencies and/or disasters, when work may vary from normal job responsibilities.

This job description is not intended to encompass every job duty or responsibility but is only illustrative. This position is required to perform other duties as may be assigned or required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

A person in this position must have a high level of resiliency to receive negative feedback and not take it personally.

Ability to be organized and able to prioritize the workload.

Ability to think critically and be able to articulate your thoughts.

Knowledge of the philosophy, history and development of social welfare programs.

Basic knowledge and understanding of human growth and behavior.

Knowledge of current social and economic problems and the way in which these problems affect families and individuals.

Knowledge of laws, regulations and practices pertaining to federal and state public welfare programs.

Knowledge of resources for community welfare and health, and ways in which these resources may be used by people in need.

Knowledge of eWISACWIS.

Knowledge of Child Protective Services Access and Initial Assessment and Ongoing standards and Chapter 48 of the Wisconsin Statutes.

Knowledge of Administrative Codes HFS 38, HFS 54, HFS 12, DCF 56 and DCF 58\.

Knowledge of the dynamics of child abuse and neglect, child development and family systems.

Knowledge of trauma\-informed care and parenting practices.

Knowledge of motivational interviewing.

Knowledge of Safety Assessment and Planning for Child Protective Services.

Knowledge of specific threats to child safety, assessment and safety planning.

Ability to work with diverse populations.

Ability to relate to people in an unprejudiced and understanding manner with concerns for their circumstances and feelings.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.

Ability to plan and organize work to most effectively achieve program objectives.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to participate in, and appropriately use, available supervision.

Ability to participate meaningfully in training provided by the agency, State Department, the University of Wisconsin Extension, and other resources.

Ability to work closely with law enforcement, medical and court system personnel.

Ability to analyze information and prioritize duties according to urgency.

Ability to work in a fast paced environment with a need to multitask.

Training, Experience and Other Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in Social Work (or any related college degree such as Sociology, Psychology or Criminal Justice).

Minimum one year of experience working with children and families where child abuse or neglect was present, and familiarity with community resources.

Experience in investigation, forensic interviewing, and working with law enforcement personnel in child abuse and neglect cases.

Experience providing services, support and guidance within the trauma\-informed care framework. Excellent facilitation, teaming and mediation skills evidenced by examples of successful work with persons and/or entities having differing backgrounds, beliefs, work practices, etc.

Good computer and keyboarding skills for entering data, using various computer programs, using the internet, intranet and email.

Valid driver's license and access to personal transportation, or other reliable means for city and rural travel. Certification by the State of Wisconsin as a Social Worker. If not certified at the time of application for employment with La Crosse County, must have applied to the State of Wisconsin for a Temporary or Training Certificate and obtain regular Certification within specified time limits.

Must be certified, or willing to obtain certification, as a juvenile intake worker in the State of Wisconsin with powers to take children into physical custody per Chapter 48\.

Must be available and willing to participate in on\-call rotation, which includes working nights, weekends and holidays on a rotating basis.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

La Crosse County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you need accommodations for a disability during the selection or interview process, please get in touch with Human Resources at jobs@lacrossecounty.org.

Application Process:

All applications must be submitted through our career website. Please ensure your application is complete and accurate,our hiring process highly values attention to detail.