Social Worker

JOB SUMMARY

The job duties of the Social Worker – Adult Protective Services (APS) include but are not limited to receiving and responding to reports and referrals regarding potential instances of financial exploitation, neglect, self-neglect, and abuse of elderly and vulnerable adults. Completing case management functions and required court documents related to guardianships, protective placement including annual protective placement reviews (WATT).

Current Social Worker/Case Manager openings is:
 

• Adult Protective Services (APS) - Social Worker/Case Manager 
• Adult Protective Services (APS) - Social Worker/Case Manager (*Part-Time)
• Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) Children - Social Worker/Case Manager

Go to Job Descriptions for full position description and search: 

• MWR Social Worker - APS
• CYFS or MWR Social Worker-CCS,CSP,CLTS,Crisis
  
  

Note: Applicants without Social Worker Certification will be hired as Case Manager. Employees who later obtain certification may request reclassification to a Social Worker position.
 
Application Deadline: Sunday, November 29th, 2026 at 4:30 PM. 
 
Interviews will be conducted on Monday, December 7th and Tuesday, December 8th, 2026.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties described below are indicative of what the Social Worker – APS might be asked to perform. This job description is to incorporate any county ordinances created for the position of Social Worker - APS. This is not an exhaustive list of job responsibilities and therefore other duties may be assigned:

Administrative Functions:

• Receive and respond to APS referrals/reports regarding potential instances of financial exploitation, abuse, neglect, self-neglect, abuse of elderly and adults at risk.
• Investigate reports to determine need for legal intervention (implementation of emergency protective services, and/or guardianship.)
• Conduct APS investigation as prescribed in Wisconsin Statues including Chapter 46.90, 51, 54, and 55.
• Petition for emergency protective services/placement and APS interventions as needed to ensure the immediate protection and safety of the individual at risk.
• Complete court required documents related to guardianships, protective placement/services, comprehensive evaluations, WATT reviews, court petitions and court testimony.
• Compiles data for Wisconsin Incidence Tracking System (WITS). 
• Acts as a liaison with other agencies involved in serving the elderly and disabled population. Advocates for system change to protect vulnerable adults being served and/or reduce unwarranted county liability.
• Maintain necessary records and accountability of consumer direct activities. 
• Coordinate quarterly Interdisciplinary Team (I-Team).
• Refer consumer and/or family to other potential/collaborative services available, as appropriate. 
• Inform consumers and/or family members about available community resources and how to independently gain access to needed services.
• Work to achieve services and treatment objectives without duplication of effort and with maximum effective use of staff time and available resources.
• Maintain a complete record for all assigned cases; complete required written assessments, reports, and other related paperwork as necessary, including use of the computer.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, supervision times, and other scheduled meetings.
• Develop professional knowledge and skills by attending training events, conferences, and workshops.
• When assigned, speak to the community and other organizations to provide public education.
• Use discretion with consumers; observe rules of confidentiality and maintain non-judgmental attitude.
• Participate in employee engagement and strategic planning processes to create and maintain a healthy work environment. 

Customers:

Team Members:

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor degree in Social Work or a related field (e.g. psychology, sociology, etc.) required.
• Minimum of one (1) year of related or unrelated full-time or part-time work experience required.
• Must possess a Social Work Certification upon hire. 
  1. If the certification is from another state, employee must obtain a Wisconsin Social Work Certification within one (1) year of employment.
  2. If applicant/employee has no Social Worker Certification, see note below.
• Program specific training may be an additional requirement where relevant. 
• A valid driver’s license required.

Note:  If an applicant or employee does not have a Social Worker Certification upon hire, they shall be hired as a Case Manager in DHS.  Please refer to Case Manager in DHS job description for further details including pay grade. If an employee obtains a Social Worker Certification at a later time, they may notify their manager to be reclassified as a Social Worker.  Typically, reclassification will occur on the next pay period upon proof of certification and notification to the Human Resources Division. 

Upon hire, anyone in possession of a Professional Counselor license or another license from another human service related field will be unable to utilize the title social worker, publicly identify themselves as a social worker, or practice utilizing the title of Social Worker.   The term “social worker” is exclusive solely for the purpose of this job description.