Social Service Aide

The Social Service Aide provides supervised visitation and transportation to foster children in compliance with the Family Interaction Plan. This individual shall have knowledge of child development and parenting; physical/sexual abuse and neglect; mental illness; alcohol and other drug abuse; and violence and how these dynamics affect the safety and well‑being of children. The Social Service Aide will display sound judgment and common sense;

ability to manage conflict and display strong written and verbal communication skills. This individual must work in a strength‑based, family‑centered, non‑judgmental manner with all families. The Social Service Aide will be obligated to report child abuse and/or neglect according to mandated reporting laws per Wisconsin statute. The Social Service Aide will comply with the provisions contained in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and at all times respect and maintain the confidentiality of all cases/information.

This position is primarily scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Flexibility is required to meet family and program needs. The employee should expect to adjust their schedule throughout the week to supervise visitations outside of standard business hours, which may extend into the evening, occasionally as late as 8:00 p.m. and coming in later on certain days. Scheduling changes are coordinated in advance whenever possible.

Full‑time based on 37.5 hours per week; $19.62 – $20.65 per hour.

• Provide supervised visitation with foster children, parents, guardians, and siblings including intervening in adverse situations and demonstrating appropriate parent skills.
• Transport foster children to and from supervised visitation. Maintain a valid driver’s license and current auto insurance per Douglas County policy.
• Communicate with assigned Case Worker and Supervisors as needed regarding supervised visitation schedules, frequency, compliance and any important information that presents as a result of the supervised visitation.
• Complete written documentation within 24‑48 hours of supervised visitation or any other interactions pertaining to the assigned case.
• Testify in court proceedings as appropriate.
• Attend trainings and case specific meetings as requested by Supervisor.
• Provide parent training/coaching and resources to families as requested.
• Other duties as assigned by direct supervisor.

High School diploma or GED required. Two‑year Associates Degree in Human Services or related fields preferred or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities; previous experience working with children and families. Must maintain a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance and reliable vehicle for transporting clients.

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Individuals in this role will enter and leave environments that vary from client to client, and must be able to adapt as needed to perform their duties.

Knowledge and understanding of child development. Ability to deescalate and intervene in adverse situations. Effective organizational skills. Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral form. Ability to maintain current and accurate records. Proficiency in use of computer and designated software programs.

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. While performing the duties of this position, the employee must have visual and auditory acuity to accurately and safely perform job functions. Duties require moderate physical work lifting weights of 26–50 pounds encountered and lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds;

standing, walking, sitting, bending, kneeling, pushing, pulling, climbing and similar body movements are required. Will require community visits, sometimes in buildings that are not handicap accessible. Requirements include driving a vehicle to and from appointments.

Testing may be administered to assess skills and abilities necessary to perform the essential duties of this position. Structured interview, references and/or background investigation.

Douglas County is an affirmative action/ equal opportunity employer.