Job Description

Job Summary

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This position serves as a member of the Waupaca County Department of Human Services (DHS) working within a partnership between each law enforcement jurisdiction as well as each school district within Waupaca County. The primary function of this position is to provide engagement, intensive case management, and service referrals for youth that have not yet entered the youth justice system and are identified by law enforcement and/or school partners as demonstrating a need for assistance and a helping intervention in managing behavioral challenges and/or preventing further delinquent acts. This position uses a strength based, family centered, and trauma informed model of engagement with evidence-based interventions as well as referrals to community services.



As a secondary, but equally important function, this position builds and maintains a strong partnership relationship between law enforcement, the school districts of Waupaca County, and the Department of Human Services.



This position works under the direct supervision of the Youth Justice Manager.

Essential Responsibilities

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Provides a timely response to referrals and requests from partner law enforcement jurisdictions and school districts regarding assistance with at-risk youth and their families.

Provides intensive case management, support, mentorship, and service referral for a smaller (6-8) caseload of at-risk youth who present with behavioral challenges and/or those who engage in delinquent behavior.

Determines, through interviews, assessments, home visits, investigations, etc., the range of services needed by the youth and families; provides referral to and an explanation of services.

Assists law enforcement officers, teachers, and school and law enforcement administrators with understanding the underlying causes of student behavioral and/or attendance issues and working to establish realistic strategies to respond to the identifiable issues.

Recommends services from other resources, arranging appointments and collaborating with those providers to meet the youth's needs.

Maintains case notes and completes appropriate paperwork according to department policy while maintaining client confidentiality by following HIPPA and Agency Confidentiality policies.

Assisting youth in developing inner strengths and sparks and maximizing informal supports and resources.

Foster youth's growth by interpreting attitudes and patterns of behavior; explaining and identifying new options and being strength based in communication.

Develops and monitors case plans and provides feedback to youth, their family, and other interested parties on follow-up actions as required.

Works in partnership with other service areas of the DHS to attempt to meet the needs of youth and family.

Responsible to assist in setting up and participating on client centered wraparound teams when determined appropriate and within resources available.

Provide appropriate and timely communication with parents, law enforcement, teachers, school and law enforcement administrators, and other DHS staff.

Participates in the Child Protective Services/Youth Justice on call rotation.

PERIPHERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Performs other duties as assigned by Youth Justice Manager.

Qualifications

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EDUCATION:

Graduation from an accredited college with an undergraduate degree in the human services field; social work preferred. Social Work Certification preferred. Master's Degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

Experience in youth justice, child protective services and/or ongoing case management.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

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Knowledge of and ability to apply social work principles and methods, including having a basic knowledge of human development, neurodevelopmental science, developmental psychopathology, treatment planning, and how to work with vulnerable populations.

Maintain objectivity and positive outlook while dealing with negative situations using tact and diplomacy while maintaining professionalism.

Maintain accurate and complete records keeping up with agency documentation policies and maintaining confidentiality.

Work independently making sound timely decisions and having the skill to determine when supervision is necessary.

Manage time effectively keeping organized and prioritizing tasks in a manner that keeps up with all the paperwork demands. This includes being punctual, reliable and dependable, keeping with the Department's working hours.

Manage conflict using motivational interviewing techniques, conflict resolution techniques, and to promote open and transparent communication.

Knowledge of Wisconsin Statutes, Chapters 118 and 938.

Knowledge of and ability to use computer software and equipment including Microsoft 365, EWISACWIS, and printer/copy/scanner machine.

Communicate in English and understand and follow written and oral instructions. This includes having excellent writing skills.

Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects up to 20 pounds, understanding and utilizing proper body mechanics.

Must have a valid driver's license in State of Wisconsin, documentation of car insurance, and reliable transportation to perform on-site responsibilities.