Social Worker - CPS Initial Assessment

Job Posting End Date:

06-27-2025

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

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Position Summary:

Marathon County Department of Social Services is hiring a Child Protective Services (CPS) Initial Assessment Social Worker whose primary responsibilities will be to conduct initial assessments of alleged child abuse and neglect in accordance with required standards and State statues. The position also includes on-call responsibilities as well as performing CPS access duties when needed.

Key Responsibilities:

Initial Assessment & On-Call (Primary Duties):

• Participate in the after-hours on-call rotation to respond to emergencies and new CPS reports.

• Conduct in-person assessments of child safety and family conditions when assigned.

• Implement safety and protective plans as needed; initiate temporary physical custody when necessary.

• Partner with law enforcement, medical providers, and community agencies during field assessments.

• Complete required documentation and reports in accordance with state and agency standards.

CPS Access (Secondary Duties):

• Receive and screen reports of alleged child abuse and neglect from mandated reporters and community members.

• Ask detailed and structured questions to gather information and assess for present and impending danger.

• Apply CPS screening criteria to determine whether a report meets the threshold for a formal Initial Assessment.

• Collaborate with a supervisor on screening decisions, especially for urgent or complex cases.

• Document Access reports clearly and ensure they are submitted for supervisory review within 24 hours.

• Promote consistency and quality in Access decision-making and documentation practices.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Understands the County's and department's mission, core values, plans, and priorities for the future.

• Ability to contribute to a positive work culture that fosters excellent customer service and teamwork. 

• Strong critical thinking decision-making skills.

• High attention to detail and documentation accuracy.

• Ability to maintain professionalism in high-stress situations

• Knowledge of the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics.

• Ability to integrate training and experience into practice.

• Ability to establish rapport with clients, their families, and their associates so as to enable them to meet their social needs.

• Effective verbal and written communication

• Ability to recognize and build upon the strengths of family members.

• Skill in conducting interviews, interpreting laws and procedures, and obtaining cooperation from others in difficult situations.

• Skill in using a computer for e-mail, calendaring, basic word processing, and data entry.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with team members and community partners.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience in CPS Access or Initial Assessment roles.

• Training and experience in identifying present and impending danger threats.

• Familiarity with Wisconsin Child Protective Services Standards and Safety Model.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a closely related human services field.

• Eligibility for Social Work licensure in Wisconsin, with licensure required within 2 years of hire.

• Valid driver’s license, a driving history that meets Marathon County standards, and reliable transportation.

• Must complete Basic Intake Worker Training (if not already completed).

Work Conditions:

• Hybrid office and field-based work.

• Regular business hours with on-call rotation after hours, weekends, and holidays.

• Exposure to sensitive and emotionally challenging situations.

Compensation: 

If certified or eligible to take the open-book online State statute exam and the subsequent in-person State certification exam, starting annual salary: $58,697.60 + benefits
 
If not certified and not yet eligible to take the open-book online State statute exam and the subsequent in-person State certification exam, starting hourly rate of pay: $26.38 + benefits
 
More information on Marathon County employee benefits: https://www.marathoncounty.gov/about-us/careers/employee-benefits

Special Accommodations:

Marathon County will make arrangements to furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary and reasonable to afford an individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in the recruitment process. Please notify the Employee Resources Department office or phone (715) 261-1451 to request special accommodations prior to the application deadline.

Notice to Applicants:

Wisconsin Statutes, Sections 19.36 (7), 64.09 (5), and 64.11 (7) require public employers to treat the following items as a public record: Each applicant’s application, records, recommendations, and qualifications except as provided in Section 19.36 (7), Wis. Stats. that allows the identity of an applicant to remain confidential if the applicant requests in writing that the County not provide access to this information.  If you choose not to have this information become a public record, you must make such a request in writing to the Employee Resources Department. If you become a finalist for the position, your identity may be disclosed as required by law