SOCIAL WORKER - CPS

Overview

This entry‑level Social Work position is in the Human Services Department, Family & Children’s Section, and is classified as exempt (FLSA). The role is primarily focused on Child Protective Services (CPS), building relationships with parents/caregivers who may be dealing with mental health or substance‑abuse issues, identifying root causes of safety concerns, and developing treatment plans. The social worker provides case management, services, and support to help families demonstrate safe parenting, and also performs court‑related services in accordance with the Wisconsin Children’s Code (Chapter 48). Work is performed under the supervision of a Human Services Supervisor.

Essential Job Functions

• Work as a team member using a family‑centered, strength‑based approach, integrating trauma‑informed care, in‑home safety services, and “signs of safety” practices.
• Conduct the majority of work in the community and in families’ homes, including visits to varying home settings.
• Receive, document, and analyze reports of alleged child maltreatment.
• Conduct thorough assessments through interviews, home visits, and collateral contacts to determine needed preventative, remedial, or rehabilitative services.
• Research and secure informal supports to reduce the need for formal services and promote long‑term family success.
• Coordinate or participate in family team meetings that bring together informal supports and formal service providers.
• Provide social services in accordance with Wisconsin statutes, court policies, and program, state, or federal guidelines.
• Prepare court reports and permanency plans; testify or provide information during court hearings as required.
• Maintain accurate, current case records and complete required documentation in a timely manner.
• Conduct ongoing safety and case evaluations, updating treatment plans to promote child safety, well‑being, and permanency (reunification, transfer of guardianship, or termination of parental rights/adoption).
• Maintain competence by attending department meetings and participating in required continuing training.
• Uphold confidentiality of client information and adhere to La Crosse County Standards of Conduct and the NASW Code of Ethics.
• Perform after‑hours on‑call and intake duties, including nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating basis.
• Report to work as scheduled with minimal use of sick leave, building a sick‑leave balance for income protection.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• High resiliency to receive negative feedback without taking it personally.
• Strong organizational and prioritization abilities.
• Critical thinking and clear articulation of thoughts.
• Understanding of the philosophy, history, and development of social welfare programs.
• Basic knowledge of human growth and behavior, and of current social and economic problems affecting families.
• Familiarity with federal and state public welfare program laws, regulations, and practices.
• Knowledge of community welfare and health resources and how to connect clients with them.
• Proficiency with eWIS/ACWIS systems.
• Knowledge of Child Protective Services Access and Initial Assessment, Ongoing standards, and Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 48.
• Understanding of Administrative Codes HFS 38, HFS 54, HFS 12, DCF 56, and DCF 58.
• Insight into dynamics of child abuse and neglect, child development, and family systems.
• Training in trauma‑informed care, parenting practices, motivational interviewing, and safety assessment/planning for CPS.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and to relate to people in an unprejudiced, understanding manner.
• Clear and effective communication skills.
• Ability to plan, organize, and achieve program objectives.
• Capacity to follow oral and written instructions and to use supervision appropriately.
• Willingness to participate in agency, state, university, and other training opportunities.
• Collaboration skills for working with law enforcement, medical, and court personnel.
• Strong analytical skills for prioritizing duties based on urgency.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, multitasking environment.

Training, Experience, and Other Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in Social Work or a related field (e.g., Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice).
• Minimum of one year of experience working with children and families where child abuse or neglect was present, including familiarity with community resources.
• Experience in investigation, forensic interviewing, and collaboration with law‑enforcement personnel in child abuse and neglect cases.
• Experience providing services, support, and guidance within a trauma‑informed care framework.
• Demonstrated facilitation, teaming, and mediation skills with diverse individuals or groups.
• Proficient computer and keyboarding skills for data entry, various software applications, internet, intranet, and email use.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable 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, must have applied for a temporary or training certificate and obtain regular certification within the required timeframe.

Benefits

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension – one of the nation’s most respected pension programs.
• Countywide insurance plans with growing access to local, no‑cost care options for everyday health needs.
• Two dedicated banks of vacation and sick time, with vacation accrual up to twice the annual rate and the ability to earn sick leave from day one.
• Potential to build up to 150 sick days as a full‑time employee.
• Comprehensive benefits package supporting health, retirement, and work‑life balance.

Schedule

• After‑hours on‑call and intake duties, including nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating basis.