Social Worker- APS/ Elderly

* A VERENON COUNTY APPLICATION must be completed to apply for this position. Please apply at vernoncountywi.gov, click on job opportunities and complete the standard application.*

Position Summary

This position description has been prepared to assist in evaluating duties, responsibilities, and skills of the position. It is not intended as a complete list of specific responsibilities and duties, nor is it intended to limit duties to those listed. And other duties as assigned.

This position primarily conducts adult protective services intakes and investigations; intake and assessments for Adult Protective Services, Elder Abuse Program, Alzheimer’s Family Caregiver Support Program; intake and assessments for individuals requesting other services; Assists with Guardianships and Protective Placements and annual WATTS reviews. Employee exercises independent judgment and discretion within established guidelines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for conducting investigations of allegations of physical, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse, as well as allegations of neglect or self-neglect of: vulnerable adults, elderly, individuals with mental health concerns, and individuals with intellectual disabilities.
• Prepares written and oral testimony for Adult Circuit Court for Guardianships and Protective Placements.
• Prepares court petitions for Guardianships, Protective Placements, annual reviews for Adult Protective Placements.
• Prepares Comprehensive Evaluations for adults under Chapter 55 of the Wisconsin Statutes.
• Prepares all other necessary court documentation and petitions necessary to assist the consumer and family, as determined necessary.
• Completes assessments for adults needing long term care.
• Completes assessments and authorizes services under all available grants, allocations and funding.
• Completes assessments and authorizes services under the APS, Elder Abuse, Alzheimer’s Family Caregiver (AFCSP) grants and allocations.
• Provides services to adults in need of protection and/or services.
• Provides services for adults and/or their families in crisis situations.
• Assess needs and appropriately refers individuals to community agencies.
• May arrange for placement services within community-based resources such as Adult Family Homes and other placement options.
• May arrange for transportation of the consumer.
• Maintains individual consumer files, including court documents, case notes, all required case management documentation.
• Prepares consumer information for data entry into Wisconsin Incident System (WITS).
• Ensures state and federal compliance with the all Long-Term support programs.
• Reviews monthly expenses/claims, prepares consumer information for data entry in the Program Participation System (PPS), and Visual Wissis.
• Authorizes services for consumers based upon assessed need within the limits of available funds, following allowable services guidelines, and following state and federal guidelines for the programs.
• Reviews and follows policies and procedures to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and County laws and regulations.
• Writes internal policies/procedures when appropriate for programs in the unit.
• Contacts State offices and other professionals to maintain compliance with programs.
• Develops new resources, financial and/or service delivery systems.
• Develops partnerships by working closely with law enforcement, court, family care providers, therapists, hospital staff, nursing home staff, adult family homes, family, and other various service providers and natural supports.
• Speaks to community groups regarding abuse and neglect.
• Assists with rotational on call for after hours for CH. 51 and Ch. 55’s.
• And all other duties assigned by the unit supervisor.

Related Job Functions

• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with coworkers, the general public, community resources, county and governmental officials, and others.
• Responsible for working safely and following safety practices and standards of the facility; responsible for reporting and/or correcting any existing or potential safety or accident hazard.
• Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and participate in workshops, seminars, etc., to keep abreast of current changes in the field.
• May work outside of normal work hours.
• Maintains consumer rights and confidentiality of consumer information.
• Adheres to National Association of Social Workers code of ethics.
• Performs related work as required or directed.
• Performs related work as required or directed.

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit, stand, and move around for extended periods.
• Proficiency in keyboarding and using office equipment such as computers, printers, and copiers.
• Capable of lifting and carrying light to moderate office supplies.
• Visual acuity to read printed materials and view computers screen for extended periods.
• Manual dexterity to operate office equipment and perform tasks such as filing and organizing paperwork.
• Ability to communicate with the public and Vernon County staff in-person and on the phone.
• Travel to Vernon County locations.
• Occasionally may handle stressful situation(s) and short deadlines.
• Involves minimal potential and/or direct exposure to blood or bodily fluids.

Education and Training Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in Social Work (or any related college degree such as Sociology, Psychology, or Criminal Justice) and one year of responsible social work experience. Will consider other acceptable equivalent combinations of experience and training. Strong preference for minimum of one year of experience working with the same population of clients that are served by the unit in which the vacancy occurs. Must have valid Wisconsin driver’s license and access to personal transportation, or other reliable means for city and rural travel. MUST HAVE current Wisconsin Social Work License meeting the requirements specified under Wis. Statute 457, OR the ability to obtain a social work license within two years.
• Basic understanding of the aging process, physical and developmental disabilities, mental health issues and substance abuse and their effect on individuals and families. Ability to relate appropriately to consumers/clients, family members and service providers. Ability to conduct thorough individualized needs assessments. Knowledge of Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, various other financial assistance programs and Family Care and IRIS. Working knowledge of Chapter 51, 54 and 55 of the Wisconsin Statutes and service options available in the Vernon County area.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation with adequate auto insurance to meet minimum County requirements, or access to reliable transportation for city and rural travel.

Wage and Benefits

• $28.23- $33.04
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation
• Wisconsin Retirement System
• Short Term & Long-Term Disability - waived premiums.
• $10,000 Life Insurance Policy - Employer Paid.
• Health Insurance - Low & High Deductible Plan with eligible FSA or HSA plans.
• Dental & Vision Group Rate Plans
• Deferred Compensation - Wisconsin Deferred Comp & Nationwide
• Other Supplemental Insurances Include - Life Insurance, Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity.
• Employee Assistance Program.

Vernon County Human Resources
400 Courthouse Square, Suite 300
Viroqua, WI 54665

Telephone: 608-637-5301
Fax: 608-638-7262

Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm

* A VERENON COUNTY APPLICATION must be completed to apply for this position. Please apply at vernoncountywi.gov, click on job opportunities and complete the standard application.*

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $28.23 - $33.04 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Ability to Relocate:

• Viroqua, WI 54665: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $28 - $33