Social Worker – DCFS, Youth Justice Unit
Social Worker/Case Manager
DCFS, Youth Justice Unit
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 reports to the Social Worker Supervisor.
Bachelor’s Degree Hiring Range: $29.01 – $32.97 per hour ($60,340.80 – $68,577.60 annually)
Master’s Degree Hiring Range: $33.53 – $38.10 per hour ($69,742.40 – $79,248.00 annually)
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
Position Summary and Job Duties
The Youth Justice Social Worker/Case Manager provides ongoing supervision of delinquent youth, juveniles in need of protection and service, and adjudicated school truants. This position conducts assessments of youth and families, prepares court reports and other court documents, creates case plans, makes recommendations for length of supervision and services, monitors and supports youth compliance with court orders, maintains case records, performs home visits, and monitors youth in out-of-home placements. This position requires attending Juvenile Court hearings, refers families for services, and works collaboratively with community stakeholders and service providers.
• Interview Juvenile Court involved youth and their families to obtain relevant youth and family assessment information
• Prepare a disposition report for the court, including youth and family risks and needs and recommendations for length of supervision and services needed
• Represent DCFS and provide testimony in court hearings
• Develop treatment plans including specific types of services designed to help youth reduce delinquent behavior, improve school attendance, improve decision making, increase youth competency, and improve family functioning
• Provide case management including regularly meeting with the youth and family to continually assess the youth and family needs, monitoring activities and school attendance, promoting and supporting successful completion of supervision (client contact occurs at home, school, or other locations in the community)
• Prepare referrals for services and determine through interviews, school visits, home visits, and collateral information, the range of services needed
• Meet regularly with service providers to ensure that services provided are consistent with the court order and case plan expectations
• Develop permanency plans and determine progress toward permanency goals for youth placed in out-of-home care
• Maintain 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 (eWiSACWIS)
• Work collaboratively with schools and a variety of service providers
• Perform other work as required or assigned
Success Factors
• Knowledge of Wisconsin State Statute Chapter 938 and state and local laws, regulations, and procedures pertaining to delinquent and school truant youth
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices and structured decision making in youth justice
• Knowledge of adolescent development and the impact of trauma and violence
• Knowledge of motivational interviewing practices
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and case management
• Knowledge of mental health and substance abuse and its impact on families
• Skill in engagement, conflict resolution, safety management, time management, interviewing, assessment, and organization
• Skill in verbal and written communication, active listening, public speaking, and documentation
• Ability to gather and assess information and develop effective case plans and recommendations
• Ability to make decisions independently, balancing the interests of the youth and the community
• Ability to document case management electronically
• Ability to verbally present case information in court and in various staffing settings
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet time requirements, adapting to unexpected changes in schedule
• Ability to de-escalate hostile and defiant clientele while providing information and referrals
• Ability to provide feedback to collateral contacts regarding work expectations and duties
• Ability to take accurate notes and details regarding assessment and youth contact
• Ability to maintain confidential information
• Ability to respond to crisis situations
• Ability to work respectfully in a diverse and inclusive environment and remain professional and courteous at all times
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel
Job Requirements, Education, Training and Experience
Required Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Social Work or a related field
• Minimum of two years relevant work and/or internship experience working with children and families in juvenile justice/child welfare or similar field
• Experience working in the court system
• Knowledge of the current principles and best practices of social work
Preferred Education and Experience
• State of Wisconsin Social Work Certification
• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Social Work or a related field
• Three or more years relevant work and/or internship experience working with children and families in juvenile justice/child welfare or similar field
Other Job Requirements
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record
Benefits
• Health, dental, and vision insurance effective first of month following 30 days of employment with the ability to reduce premium contribution through participation in a wellness program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Volunteer Time
• Twelve Paid Holidays
• Retirement Plan: Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System which includes county-paid life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
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
• Ability to visit families in their homes which may include stairs
Selection Process
• Application Review – Qualifying
• Oral Interview – Qualifying
• Background Check – Qualifying
• Physical Examination/Drug Screen – Qualifying
If you require accommodations at any point in the selection process because of a disability, please notify Human Resources in advance for arrangements.
Applications must be submitted no later than Sunday, June 15, 2025.
To learn more about the DCFS Youth Justice Services Unit, please visit: https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov/253
Kenosha County is a Wisconsin Retirement System participating employer. Your participation is required, which includes an employee contribution.
Bachelor’s Degree: The pay grade for this position is NE11,
(minimum $29.01 – maximum $36.93) ($60,340.80 – $76,814.40 annually).
Master’s Degree: The pay grade for this position is NE13,
(minimum $33.53 – maximum $42.67) ($69,742.40 – $88,753.60 annually).
This position is located in Kenosha County, a growing community along the shores of Lake Michigan and less than an hour away from Milwaukee and Chicago. To see why Kenosha County is a great place to live, work, and play, visit: https://www.visitkenosha.com/
Thank you for your interest in employment with Kenosha County!
Kenosha County is an equal opportunity employer.
https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov/jobs
Deadline Note: