Job Information
COUNTY OF KENOSHA Social Worker, Child Protective Services in KENOSHA, Wisconsin
JOB REQUIREMENTS: The Kenosha County Division of Children and Family Services, a leader and innovator in child welfare, is seeking an experienced Social Worker/Case Manager who has a passion for improving the lives of children and families, strong organizational skills, sound decision making, the ability to work independently and with their team, and a passion for child safety. This position conducts Initial Assessments (investigations) of allegations of child abuse and neglect in Kenosha County. This individual works directly with biological families, foster families, and community agencies focused on keeping children safe and assisting parents in accessing voluntary community resources that will strengthen their family. If children cannot be maintained safely in their home, this position will facilitate Court intervention in order to ensure safety. In addition, this position rotates into the Access Office to receive phone calls from citizens who are reporting allegations of child abuse and neglect. This position reports to the Social Worker Supervisor. Duties include: Primary responsibility is completing Initial Assessments (investigations) regarding allegations of child maltreatment Interviews alleged victim(s), siblings, parents, and all household members Assesses child safety including the adult\'s protective capacities and the physical condition of the home If children are unsafe, develops a safety plan to ensure child safety, including placement of children into foster care when necessary for safety Works directly with biological families, foster families, alternate care providers, and community agencies in the interest of child safety and improving child and family well-being Maintains client and child contact as required by State Standards Makes referrals to community-based service agencies and monitors progress Researches placement options and prepares necessary referrals to out-of-home care settings for children Prepares required court paperwork and notices, provides recommendation to the court, and testifies in court hearings Maintains accurate, meaningful, and current case records, reports, and other documents and correspondence, including all required documentation in the Wisconsin State Automated Child Welfare Information System In the Access Office, receives and documents allegations of child abuse and neglect Documents client background information, assesses report for present and impending danger threats, and makes screening recommendations Works as part of a team Attends in-service training and staff development activities Performs other work as required or assigned Career Advantages Competitive hourly rate No on-call after-hours responsibilities Monday-Friday work schedule 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Opportunity to be a part of a great team Training to learn, grow, and succeed Competitive benefits package including pension Opportunity for advancement County issued cell phone and laptop Positive workplace culture ***** OTHER EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS: Experience Minimum of two years relevant work and/or internship experience working with children and families; three or more years of experience preferred Experience working in the Juvenile Court system Success Factors Knowledge of our community\'s social and economic problems and their impacts on clients Knowledge of Wisconsin State Statute Chapter 48 and state and local laws, regulations, and procedures pertaining to child protective ongoing services Knowledge of State of Wisconsin Access and Initial Assessment Standards, State of Wisconsin Ongoing Services Standards, and State Child development and successful parenting skills Knowledge of the Indian Child Welfare Act Knowledge of the current principles and best practices of social work Knowledge of mental health and substance abuse and its impact on families Skill in engagement, conflict resolution, safety management, time management, assessment, a d organization Skill in verbal and written communication Ability to make decisions independently while ensuring the safety of children within the community Ability to de-escalate hostile and defiant clientele while providing information and referrals Ability to document and address threats of safety Ability to provide feedback to collateral contacts regarding work expectations and duties Ability to take accurate notes and details regarding investigations of child maltreatment Ability to adapt to changes in investigations and questioning to ensure pertinent information is being obtained Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet time requirements Ability to adhere to professional ethics Ability to respond to crisis situations Ability to work respectfully in a diverse and inclusive environment Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel Other Job Requirements Valid driver\'s license, acceptable driving record, and access to an insured vehicle for use in the performance of the job Transporting clients in personal vehicles may be required Physical Demands 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The position involves light physical demands, such as exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and up to 10 pounds of force frequently Vision standards required by Division of Motor Vehicles to operate a motor vehicle Ability to visit families in their homes which may include stairs ***** APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Other: To see the complete job description and to apply for this position, please visit our website, www.kenoshacountywi.gov/jobs, and click the \"View Open Jobs\" button. Applications must be submitted no later than Friday, April 24, 2026, at 12:00 noon. Apply Online: www.kenoshacountywi.gov/jobs