Social Worker- Services

Social Worker / Case Manager:
Ongoing CPS Unit

Washington County, located in West Bend, Wisconsin, offers a full‑time Social Worker position under the general supervision of the Family Services Supervisor. The Ongoing CPS Social Worker provides child welfare services as defined in Chapter 48 of the Wisconsin State Statutes and in accordance with Wisconsin Ongoing Services Standards. The primary role of the agency caseworker is to engage families in a positive working relationship to achieve a safe, stable home and permanence for children.

Position Summary: In accordance with Chapter 48 and WI Ongoing Services Standards, the Ongoing Social Worker evaluates child safety through continuous case assessment, oversight, and adjustment of safety plans by engaging families in the case planning process. This process identifies underlying needs and connects families to services that address threats to child safety to reach timely legal permanence and safe case closure for all children on cases with CPS oversight.

Provides written documentation to the court regarding the department's recommendations for mandated services and provides testimony as required. Collaborates with collateral contacts such as probation, schools and mental health providers to monitor case progress. Evaluates safety at least monthly at every in‑person contact with children, families, placement homes and providers. Ensures every child has a safe, stable, and permanent home prior to case closure.

The Ongoing Social Worker is responsible for permanence by ensuring a safe and stable home for children that remain in‑home with parents/caregivers, are reunified with parents/caregivers, or are placed in an alternative permanent living situation, which could include legal transfer of guardianship, termination of parental rights, or adoption of that child.

The Ongoing Social Worker will make child safety and case planning decisions per WI Chapter 48, WI Safety Intervention Standards and WI Ongoing Services Standards. The Ongoing Social Worker must be able to work independently in the field, interpret information quickly and seek out guidance from their supervisor when appropriate.

There is daily interaction with families, law enforcement, Acute Care Services, hospital personnel, mental health professionals, schools, and other community providers.

Knowledge of Chapter 48 Children's Code and Wisconsin State CPS Standards for Ongoing Services and Safety Intervention Standards. Basic understanding of child development, childhood trauma, mental health and alcohol or drug addiction, knowledge of current social and economic problems and the way in which these issues affect families.

Exceptional telephone, communication and computer skills are essential to this position. Ability to multi‑task, completing several functions at the same time and prioritize competing tasks in a rapid fashion. Ability to think critically and problem‑solve in crisis situations and de‑escalate conflictual situations. The work environment can be hostile, fast‑paced and at times highly volatile.

Ability to fulfill physical demands of job, sensory demands (seeing and hearing) and cognitive demands (concentration, conceptualization, memorization).

Qualified candidates must possess:

• Bachelors or Masters degree from an accredited four‑year college or university with a major in Social Work and the ability to be certified as a social worker in the State of Wisconsin within 6 months of hire, OR
• Bachelors or Master's degree in a related field and two years’ relevant experience. Priority to candidates who have experience working with children and families in the capacity of child welfare, youth justice or mental health.
• Non‑social work degreed candidates must be willing to successfully complete an accredited social work certificate program within three years and be certified as a social worker in the State of Wisconsin 6 months post completion of the program.
• A valid Wisconsin driver’s license, available automobile, and automobile insurance are required.

Salary Range: $60,120.00–$79,942.00

Benefits: Health, dental and life insurance;
Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability;
Medical and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts;
Wisconsin Retirement System and Wisconsin Deferred Compensation (IRS 457);
Holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO); fitness center and tuition reimbursement.

Washington County is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.

Position: 201022

Posting Start: 09/10/2025

Posting End: 12/31/9999