Entry Level Social Worker Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

About La Crosse County:
At La Crosse County, we are committed to creating a vibrant, safe, and inclusive community. Guided by our Strategic Plan, we focus on economic growth, environmental stewardship, affordable housing, and robust public services that enhance the quality of life for all residents.
Why Join La Crosse County?

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS): A top-rated pension program.
• Affordable Insurance Premiums: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick, and 10+ paid holidays annually.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible schedules and wellness programs.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB):
At La Crosse County, we believe that diversity strengthens our community. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued.
Overview
FLSA: Exempt This entry-level Social Worker position provides professional support to La Crosse County's Crisis Program during designated evening and weekend hours. The role is established as a Limited Term Employment (LTE) position with funding approved through December 2027 and may be considered for transition to permanent employment based on program needs. This role is responsible for assisting in the delivery of crisis intervention services, conducting assessments, coordinating appropriate resources, and supporting individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance-related crises. This position works collaboratively with internal and external service partners to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals served.
Essential Leadership Functions
Act with Integrity and Build Trust

• Demonstrate mutual respect, humility, and honesty in all interactions

• Speak up appropriately, even when expressing unpopular viewpoints

• Actively listen and remain open-minded to diverse perspectives

Drive for Results

• Set clear goals and objectives to motivate self and others to achieve outcomes

• Seek new opportunities to improve processes and drive sustainable results

• Hold self and others accountable through consistent evaluation and monitoring

Develop Talent and Effective Teams

• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and growth

• Provide mentorship and support to help self and others reach full potential

• Recognize and leverage diverse strengths within self and team

Lead with Vision and Strategy

• Understand and communicate a compelling vision that aligns with organizational goals

• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to achieve long-term objectives

• Connect daily work to the bigger picture, inspiring self and others to contribute meaningfully

Lead with Paradoxical, Critical, and Agile Thinking

• Navigate complex situations by considering multiple perspectives

• Adapt quickly to changes and uncertainties in the work environment

• Make critical decisions using analytical skills, experience, and input from others

Build and Maintain Effective Relationships

• Communicate and collaborate effectively with stakeholders across the organization

• Influence others through coaching, consulting, and team-minded thinking

• Develop and sustain partnerships that create positive outcomes for all stakeholders

Cultivate Community Engagement and Provide Excellent Service

• Understand and address the needs and concerns of the community

• Incorporate community perspectives into decision-making processes

• Drive initiatives that create positive impacts beyond the organization

Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence

• Show self-awareness and manage emotions effectively in challenging situations

• Seek and respond constructively to feedback, even in the face of setbacks

• Balance empathy with accountability when leading self and working with others

Essential Job Functions
Demonstrates self-leadership, seeks out opportunities for personal growth and development, accepts feedback and demonstrates ability to learn and apply.
Shares ideas and demonstrates respect, humility, honesty, and open-minded thinking.
Demonstrates flexibility, acceptance of change and emotional intelligence. Takes initiative and demonstrates the ability to think critically and strategically.
Participates as a contributing member of the team and brings authentic self to discussions regarding all aspects of the work.
Demonstrates ability to build and maintain effective relationships.
Contributes positively to an inclusive workplace.
Provides social services per Wisconsin Statutes, court policies, and/or requirements of the program, state, or federal guidelines.
Accepts requests and referrals for agency services.
Conducts thorough assessments through interviews, home visits and collateral investigations, to determine the range of services needed by these individuals and their families for preventative, remedial or rehabilitative services.
Explains the scope of the agency's services and discusses the client's rights and responsibilities in relation to the use of such services.
Arranges or provides for appropriate social services for clients based on assessments of needs.
Conducts regular case evaluations and develops and updates service plans accordingly.
Coordinates or participates in care conferences. Testifies in court as necessary or required.
Inputs data in computer and uses various other computer programs, the internet, La Crosse County intranet, and email.
Physical demands: Large percentage of time is spent talking and hearing. Approximately half the time is spent sitting and using near and far vision, low fingering and low (35 lbs.) carrying. A limited amount of time is spent standing, walking, climbing (using feet and legs), reaching, low to medium lifting and carrying. Occasionally transports/carries a child or assists in transferring an adult. Occasionally it is necessary to stoop, kneel, and bend/twist. There is the threat of physical attack or injury from clients in unusual situations. Uses automobile, telephones, copy machines, computer/keyboard, dictating equipment.
In this public service position, employee is required to be courteous, cooperative and respectful at all times, with the public and clients. Also establishes and maintains a courteous, cooperative and respectful working relationship with other employees, supervisors and public officials.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of the philosophy, history and development of social welfare programs.
Basic knowledge and understanding of human growth and behavior.
Knowledge of current and social economic problems and the way in which these problems affect families and individuals.
Knowledge of laws, regulations and practices pertaining to federal and state public welfare programs.
Knowledge of resources for community welfare and health, and ways in which these resources may be used by people in need.
Ability to work with diverse population.
Ability to relate to people in an unprejudiced and understanding manner with concerns for their circumstances and feelings.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
Ability to plan and organize work to most effectively achieve program objectives.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to participate in, and appropriately use, available supervision.
Ability to participate meaningfully in training provided by the agency, State Department, the University of Wisconsin Extension, and other resources.
Comprehensive knowledge of the human services system.
Knowledge of how to access area resources.
Skill in written and oral communication.
Ability to successfully facilitate groups and work well with diverse groups of people.
Ability to focus on strengths, accurately listen, develop trust of team members, understand multiple perspectives, and intervene on ineffective team behavior.
Ability to accept feedback without reacting defensively.
Training, Experience and Other Requirements
Requires 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).
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, and familiarity with community resources available to them.
Requires basic computer keyboarding skills for entering data related to clients.
For many positions, must have valid driver's license and access to personal transportation, or other reliable means for city and rural travel.
Requires certification by the State of Wisconsin as a Social Worker. If not certified at the time of application for employment with La Crosse County, must have applied to the State of Wisconsin for a Temporary or Training Certificate and obtain regular Certification within specified time limits.
Must have experience working with a variety of funding sources.
All training and certification courses must be completed within specified timeframes as set forth by the State of Wisconsin.
Requires good computer and keyboarding skills for inputting data, and for using various computer programs, including internet, intranet and e-mail.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
La Crosse County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
If you need accommodations for a disability during the selection or interview process, please get in touch with Human Resources at jobs@lacrossecounty.org.
Application Process:
All applications must be submitted through our career website. Please ensure your application is complete and accurate,our hiring process highly values attention to detail.