Case Manager/Social Worker - Youth Justice

The vision for Wisconsin's Youth Justice (YJ) System incorporates a focus on prevention and diversion, with the provision of accountability and services to youth and families, to prepare them to thrive. The YJ system in Wisconsin is community-based, designed to serve the greatest number of youth through local prevention and diversion services, and reduce the number served out-of-home. Wisconsin's YJ system is state supervised and county administered by way of the Youth Justice (YJ) Case Worker.

Review the day-to-day duties of Wisconsin Child Protection Services via the following website links:
https://youtu.be/eT_nqR5GFGU
https://youtu.be/Si-JX61LkDo

Grit, resilience, and adaptability are essential qualities of child welfare social workers. These attributes are crucial in providing support and advocacy for our clients. Join our team today, and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve!  Start your career in child welfare with Douglas County!

Douglas County offers a competitive benefits package including, but not limited, to:
 

• Annual wage increase based on eligibility
• Paid, on-the-job training and advancement opportunities
• Competitive paid time off including vacation, sick time, personal days and holidays
• 85% county contribution to health and dental premiums
• Health Saving Account (HSA) available to all employees on the county’s medical plan- Douglas County makes an annual contribution up to $750 single employee or $1500 employee +1 or Family; employees have additional HSA contribution options through Medica
• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)- One of the leading retirement systems in the nation- Contributions are paid according to current year rates set by Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds (refer towww.etf.wi.govfor further detail)
• County paid life insurance policy with coverage equivalent to annual salary (affordable Supplemental, Additional, and Spousal/Dependent life insurance available at employee’s expense)
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualifying employer

The Douglas County Health & Human Services Department - Social Worker is the entry-level class for functions of moderate difficulty in all program areas. Employees work under close supervision and are expected to develop knowledge of the laws, policies, and administrative procedures of county social work programs, learn the principles of human behavior and development, develop interviewing, assessment, and caseload organization/management skills, and use community resources. The Social Worker will demonstrate competency in ethical practice, writing skills, court testimony and reports, judgment, decision-making, responsibility and accountability, resource/fiscal awareness, and interpersonal skills.  

The Youth Justice Social Worker responds 24/7 as assigned and appropriate to juvenile custody intake calls. On-call responsibilities as part of a rotation including Youth Justice, Child Protection Ongoing, and Intake and Assessment Social Workers.

Full-time based on 37.5 hours/week; non-exempt; $28.68 - $31.00 per hour reflects the normal hiring range for 2025.

Essential Duties:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
 

• Provides case management; including case planning and direct services for youth referred to the Youth Justice system, including Youths in need of Protection and Services; Delinquency and Truancy.
• Obtains necessary information and asks pertinent questions to administer necessary screening tools and juvenile assessments as required by the state.
• Maintains awareness and compliance of applicable state statutes, state standards and evidence-based practices as they may apply.
• Provides information and referral services as requested.
• Maintains case files and appropriate service documentation.
• Performs needed collateral contacts with school; various providers; law enforcement, family members and community resources as required by the specified program.
• Stays informed of important changes and issues which affect the population served, including trainings.
• Respond 24/7 as assigned and appropriate to juvenile custody intake calls.
• Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field with at minimum one year of work experience is acceptable.
• Ability and willingness to become Wisconsin Social Work certified per statute 457.08 (1) and/or 457.09(1) may be necessary during the course of employment, and is preferred.
• One to two years of related work experience preferred.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license, with proof of insurance for transporting and/or making appointments with clients.

Strong oral and written communication skills, and comfortability in presenting to management groups, public groups, and various committees needed. Must be able to deal with a variety of people in all aspects of this work. 

Applicants must provide college transcript(s), diploma(s), or other proof of college credentials while submitting application, or during the recruiting process.

Supplemental Information:

Required Competencies

• Communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, ensures understanding, and conveys information accurately.
• Collaborates effectively with colleagues, contributes to group efforts, and fosters a cooperative and supportive work environment to achieve common goals.
• Takes responsibility for actions and decisions, follows through on commitments, and ensures tasks are completed accurately and on time.
• Takes proactive steps to address opportunities and challenges, shows a strong drive to achieve results, and goes above and beyond.
• Makes informed and timely decisions, evaluates options thoroughly, and takes responsibility for outcomes.
• Demonstrates a strong desire to achieve goals, seeks continuous improvement, and strives for excellence in all endeavors.
• Identifies and addresses conflicts promptly, mediates disputes, and fosters a collaborative environment.
• Demonstrates a strong awareness of safety protocols, promotes a safe work environment, and ensures compliance with safety regulations.
• Shows tolerance for different perspectives, remains patient and open-minded, and fosters an inclusive environment.
• Working knowledge of social and economic factors that influence family life.
• Some knowledge of principles of human behavior and development and psychological defense mechanisms.
• Knowledge of community resources, public social service, and assistance programs. Knowledge of interviewing techniques and problem-solving methodology.
• Knowledge of reactions to stress.
• Working knowledge of social casework objectives, principles, methods, and caseload management and organization.
• Knowledge of the specialized and more difficult program area to which assigned.
• Knowledge of the laws, policies, and administrative procedures of county social service programs.
• Knowledge of substance abuse and the impact addiction may have on families.
• Knowledge of how to access area resources.
• Formulate and modify case plans in conjunction with clients.
• Interview effectively, gather information, and engage the client in the problem-solving process.
• Understand and explain agency limitations, regulations, and policies.
• Communicate effectively in written and oral form including the ability to speak publicly. Maintain current and accurate records.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, clients, providers, and staff of other agencies.
• Facilitate maximum client participation in service plans.
• Proficiency in the use of computer and designated software programs and/or to obtain proficiency within 6 months of assuming the position.
• Skills in written and oral communications and ability to successfully facilitate wrap-around team meetings while focusing on strengths, accurately listening, and developing trust of team members.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements
This position operates in a professional office environment. The role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines. Role works frequently in varying environments, including private residences, schools, or medical facilities. May utilize personal and/or fleet vehicles for client transport. 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

The social worker will be required to perform non-sedentary and sedentary work. Non-sedentary work includes walking distances on uneven surfaces and climbing stairs; standing and sitting variable times; carrying a laptop computer and other materials simultaneously, and ability to lift up to 30 pounds. May require community visits, sometimes in buildings that are not handicapped accessible. Requirements include driving a vehicle to and from appointments. Must maintain a valid driver's license. Refer to the Physical Demands table below for additional information. 

Testing: Structured interview, background investigation, references.

Douglas County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.