Social Worker - CPS Initial Assessment/Access

Job Posting End Date:

Worker Sub-Type:

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

Position Summary:

Marathon County Department of Social Services is hiring a Child Protective Services (CPS) Social Worker whose primary responsibilities will focus on CPS Access, the initial point of contact for all child abuse and neglect reports. This critical role ensures timely, accurate, and thorough screening of reports received via the Access line. The position also includes on-call responsibilities and may perform initial assessments when necessary to ensure child safety.

As an employee of the Department of Social Services and Marathon County, you will play a crucial role in managing and safeguarding confidential and sensitive information. This position requires a high level of impartiality, integrity, neutrality, and confidentiality.

Examples of Work Performed:

The following duties are typical of this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.

CPS Access (Primary 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.

Initial Assessment & On-Call (Supplemental 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.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in social work or a closely related field required. Social work certification at time of hire OR obtained within two years of hire is also required.

• At time of offer, if a candidate is not eligible to take the open book online State statute exam and the subsequent in person State certification exam, they may be hired as a case manager until eligible to take the State exams.

• NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:  Possession of a driver's license and a driving record that meets County standards.

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

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.

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: $65,748.80 + Marathon County 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: $29.53 + Marathon County benefits

Physical Requirements:

Moderate Physical Requirements - Job requires a combination of desk work and some physical activity, such as standing, walking, or carrying light to moderate loads. This job typically requires navigating various environments (e.g., office to field).

All physical requirements are described with the intent to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job.

Selection Procedure:

The selection of the successful candidate may be made by assessment of education and work experience, oral interview, review of references, and/or other job-related selection procedures. Depending on position requirements, the selected candidate may be required to satisfactorily complete post-offer assessments, including but not limited to education verification, background checks, driver license verification, physical examination, psychological assessment, and drug screening paid for by the County.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Marathon County is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status.

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