Social Services Worker

General Description

As a Social Worker with the Department of Family Services (DFS), you will play a pivotal role in enhancing the well‑being of Wyoming families. Your work will involve engaging with individuals facing various challenges and connecting them with vital resources. Social work is both rewarding and demanding. You will navigate complex situations that require empathy, resilience, and the ability to manage bureaucratic processes.

While the role is often challenging, the impact you make on the community will be invaluable.

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays
• Retirement – Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future
• Flexible schedules and work‑life balance options
• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities and MUCH MORE!

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Human Resource Contact: judie.petersen3

• Determines client needs for basic social services for children and adults.
• Carries a caseload and keeps all case file documentation current.
• Works collaboratively with law enforcement, other professionals, and agencies.
• Works directly with the institution or facility to develop and monitor a comprehensive treatment plan for youth in the community (home) and/or placement, including foster care and residential.
• Monitors assess and address community service and restitution needs and maintain a schedule of restitution responsibilities.
• Provides group educational sessions in cognitive skills to help develop pro‑social behaviors.
• Develops discharge plans with the facility, youth, and family prior to discharge from the facility.
• Prepares for and testifies in court, preliminary hearings, multi‑disciplinary team meetings, family partnership meetings, and court hearings.
• Appears and represents high‑risk juveniles during pre‑adjudication hearings, periodic reviews, status hearings, and revocation arraignments.
• Interview clients, periodically reassess client needs, and refer clients to community resources or other agency personnel.
• Prepares assessments, designs case plans, evaluates the progress of participants, and makes and monitors appropriate placements.

Preference may be given to applicants with a Bachelor's Degree in social work, sociology, psychology, criminal justice, or administration of justice.

Preference may be given to applicants with the ability to work a flexible schedule, which may include evenings, nights, holidays, weekends, and on‑call hours.

• Knowledge of mental illnesses, medications, capacity, and competency.
• Knowledge of State and Federal laws pertaining to Social Work, including ICWA, ICPC, AFCARS, ASFA, and others.
• Knowledge of the court system, juvenile protection laws, and federal and state laws.

Education: Bachelor's Degree (typically in Social Services)

Experience: 0–2 years of progressive work experience (typically in Social Services Programs) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Social Services Aide

OR

Education & Experience Substitution: 3–5 years of progressive work experience (typically in Social Services Programs) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Social Services Aide

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: None

• This position takes place in an average work environment.

• FLSA:
  Non‑Exempt
• All positions within the Department of Family Services will require a background check, including the taking of fingerprints, which will be completed through the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation, the Department of Family Services, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, for every successful applicant.

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.