Case Manager (CPS Ongoing)

Application deadline: 2026-08-31. County position within the Health and Human Services Social Services Division.

About the role

The Case Manager provides child welfare and family services, focusing on Child Protective Services and other statutory social service programs. This position responds to reports of child abuse or neglect, conducts safety, risk, and family assessments, develops and monitors safety and case plans, and coordinates services to ensure child safety, permanency, and family stability. The role involves collaboration with children, families, courts, service providers, and community partners to address safety concerns, support reunification, and pursue alternative permanency outcomes in accordance with laws, court orders, and professional standards.

Responsibilities

• Plan, provide, arrange, and monitor direct client services under general supervision, working within assigned Social Services program areas, including Child Protective Services and other statutory family support services.
• Provide information, intake, outreach, and assistance to individuals, families, mandated reporters, and the public; evaluate information to determine service needs, child safety concerns, eligibility, and appropriate intervention levels.
• Respond to reports of alleged child abuse or neglect; conduct initial and ongoing CPS investigations and family assessments to evaluate safety, risk, strengths, needs, and protective capacities.
• Determine the presence of child safety threats, impending danger, and risk of harm; develop, implement, and monitor safety plans in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes, administrative rules, court orders, and agency policy.
• Provide case management and service coordination for children and families involved with Child Protective Services and other Social Services programs, emphasizing child safety, permanency, family stability, and well-being.
• Develop, implement, and monitor comprehensive, outcome-focused case plans and service plans in collaboration with families, caregivers, and service providers.
• Coordinate, facilitate, and participate in multidisciplinary and interagency meetings, including family team meetings, permanency planning meetings, and staffings with courts, law enforcement, schools, medical providers, and service agencies.
• Monitor service delivery, family compliance, and progress toward case plan goals; evaluate intervention effectiveness and modify plans as necessary.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely case documentation in designated electronic systems, including assessments, safety plans, case plans, progress notes, contacts, referrals, court reports, and required state and federal reports.
• Maintain knowledge of and compliance with applicable federal and state laws, administrative rules, court procedures, funding requirements, agency policies, and professional standards governing child welfare and social services.
• Ensure client rights and due process protections are communicated, respected, and upheld, including confidentiality, informed consent, and participation in decision-making.
• Provide advocacy and support to children and families to promote access to services, reduce barriers, and support safe participation in education, treatment, placement, and community settings.
• Respond to crisis situations involving child safety, abuse, neglect, or family instability; coordinate with crisis services, law enforcement, medical providers, and other protective systems.
• Exercise statutory authority to recommend or implement removal of children from parental or caregiver custody to ensure child safety; coordinate placement and services for children in out-of-home care.
• Prepare court-related documentation, reports, and recommendations; provide written and oral testimony; participate in court proceedings, hearings, and reviews.
• Collaborate with internal County divisions and external partners, including behavioral health providers, schools, healthcare systems, child welfare partners, juvenile justice, corrections, housing providers, and community-based organizations.
• Identify, authorize, and monitor services, placements, and related expenditures in accordance with program guidelines, funding limitations, and accountability requirements.
• Ensure compliance with specialized statutory requirements, including the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), and interstate or placement-related regulations.
• Participate in unit, division, and department meetings; interdisciplinary staffing; training; and quality improvement initiatives.
• Support team functioning by sharing knowledge, coordinating case activities, and providing informal guidance to newer staff.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and training related to child welfare practice, trauma-informed care, cultural humility, equity, safety assessment, and emerging best practices.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the mission, programs, and operations of the Health and Human Services Department.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Human Services, Behavioral Science, or a closely related field.
• Relevant experience in social services, case management, service coordination, or a comparable human services role serving children, families, or individuals with disabilities is preferred. A combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Certified Social Worker (CSW) licensure or an active Social Worker Training Certificate is preferred.
• Valid Wisconsin Driver’s license.
• Knowledge of applicable federal laws, Wisconsin Statutes, administrative rules, court procedures, and funding requirements governing Child Protective Services and related social services programs.
• Knowledge of child welfare practice, including child safety assessment, risk determination, family functioning, permanency planning, and court-involved case management.
• Understanding of social problems, cultural diversity, trauma, human growth and development, and individual and family dynamics as they relate to assessment, service planning, and intervention.
• Knowledge of or experience with trauma-informed principles and practices.
• Skill in receiving and responding to reports of child abuse or neglect and conducting safety, risk, and family assessments in accordance with statutory and policy requirements.
• Skill in developing, implementing, and monitoring safety plans, case plans, and permanency plans in collaboration with families, caregivers, and multidisciplinary partners.
• Skill in coordinating services and activities that cross unit, departmental, and agency lines, including collaboration with courts, law enforcement, schools, healthcare providers, and contracted service providers.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including accurate documentation, preparation of court reports, provision of written and oral testimony, facilitation of meetings, and explanation of program requirements, services, and client rights.
• Demonstrated commitment to confidentiality and ethical handling of sensitive information in accordance with legal requirements, professional standards, and County policies.
• Sound professional judgment, emotional composure, and ability to de-escalate situations when responding to stressful, complex, or confrontational circumstances.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively; manage multiple cases and deadlines; and complete assigned tasks accurately and timely.
• Willingness and availability to travel within and outside Sheboygan County as required, including reliable access to a vehicle and automobile insurance.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Work is performed primarily in an office, community, and client-based environment within Health and Human Services facilities, community locations, and client residences, with regular use of standard office equipment.
• Frequent contact with co-workers, supervisors, consumers, family members, service providers, community partners, State and County personnel, and members of the public.
• Duties require regular verbal communication, active listening, and the ability to hear, speak, and communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and in group or meeting settings.
• Visual acuity is required for reviewing electronic and written records, completing documentation, reading reports, and entering data into computerized systems.
• Work involves extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, and driving, as well as occasional bending, reaching, and lifting of light materials (generally up to 25 pounds).
• Travel throughout the County and occasionally outside the County to attend meetings, trainings, home visits, court proceedings, or community-based appointments.
• May involve interaction with individuals experiencing crisis, emotional distress, or challenging behaviors; may occasionally involve contact with aggressive or volatile individuals.
• Requires the ability to manage multiple tasks, interruptions, and time-sensitive demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Work hours are generally scheduled during normal business hours, with flexibility required to meet program, client, or court-related needs.
• High risk of blood-borne pathogen exposure.