Job Description
SOCIAL WORKER/CASE MANAGER Child Protective Services 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.
Bachelor’s Degree Hiring Range: $29.59 - $33.63 per hour ($61,547.20 - $69,950.40 annually) Master’s Degree Hiring Range: $34.20 - $38.86 per hour ($71,136.00 - $80,828.80 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 This position conducts initial assessments (investigations) of allegations of child abuse and neglect in Kenosha County. This individual works directly with biological families, foster families, and community agencies focused on keeping children safe and assisting parents in accessing voluntary community resources that will strengthen their family. If children cannot be maintained safely in their home, this position will facilitate Court intervention in order to ensure safety. In addition, this position rotates into the Access Office to receive phone calls from citizens who are reporting allegations of child abuse and neglect. This position reports to the Social Worker Supervisor. Job duties include:
- Primary responsibility is completing Initial Assessments (investigations) regarding allegations of child maltreatment
- Interviews alleged victim(s), siblings, parents, and all household members
- Assesses child safety including the adult’s protective capacities and the physical condition of the home
- If children are unsafe, develops a safety plan to ensure child safety, including placement of children into foster care when necessary for safety
- Works directly with biological families, foster families, alternate care providers, and community agencies in the interest of child safety and improving child and family well-being
- Maintains client and child contact as required by State Standards
- Makes referrals to community-based service agencies and monitor progress
- Researches placement options and prepares necessary referrals to out-of-home care settings for children
- Prepares required court paperwork and notices, provides recommendation to the court, and testifies in court hearings
- Maintains 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
- In the Access Office, receives and documents allegations of child abuse and neglect
- Documents client background information, assesses report for present and impending danger threats, and makes screening recommendations
- Works as part of a team
- Attends in-service training and staff development activities
- Performs other work as required or assigned
Success Factors - Knowledge of our community’s social and economic problems and their impacts on clients
- Knowledge of Wisconsin State Statute Chapter 48 and state and local laws, regulations, and procedures pertaining to child protective ongoing services
- Knowledge of State of Wisconsin Access and Initial Assessment Standards, State of Wisconsin Ongoing Services Standards, and State Child development and successful parenting skills
- Knowledge of the Indian Child Welfare Act
- Knowledge of mental health and substance abuse and its impact on families
- Skill in engagement, conflict resolution, safety management, time management, assessment, and organization
- Skill in verbal and written communication
- Ability to make decisions independently while ensuring the safety of children within the community
- Ability to de-escalate hostile and defiant clientele while providing information and referrals
- Ability to document and address threats of safety
- Ability to provide feedback to collateral contacts regarding work expectations and duties
- Ability to take accurate notes and details regarding investigations of child maltreatment
- Ability to adapt to changes in investigations and questioning to ensure pertinent information is being obtained
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet time requirements
- Ability to adhere to professional ethics
- Ability to respond to crisis situations
- Ability to work respectfully in a diverse and inclusive environment
- 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
- Experience working in the Juvenile 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
Other Job Requirements
- Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record and access to an insured vehicle for use in the performance of the job
- Transporting clients in personal vehicles may be required
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
- Vision standards required by Division of Motor Vehicles to operate a motor vehicle
- 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.
To learn more about the DCFS Child Protective Services Unit, please visit:
Children & Family Services | Kenosha County, WI - Official Website
Applications must be submitted no later than Friday, April 24, 2026, at 12:00 noon. 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 $29.59 – maximum $37.67) ($61,547.20 - $78,353.60 annually).
Master’s Degree: The pay grade for this position is NE13,
(minimum $34.20 – maximum $43.52) ($71,136.00 - $90,521.60 annually).
We are located in Kenosha County, an expanding 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, please visit: or
Thank you for your interest in employment with Kenosha County! Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Internship, Work at office, Local area, Monday to Friday, Flexible hours