Social Services Worker

General Description Description And Functions Open Until Filled General Description The Wyoming Department of Family Services is seeking a Social Worker dedicated to enhancing the well‑being of Wyoming families and communities. In this role, you will work directly with individuals and families facing a variety of challenges, helping connect them with essential services, community resources, and support systems designed to promote safety, stability, and self‑sufficiency. Social work is both rewarding and demanding, requiring compassion, resilience, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate complex situations and administrative processes. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of children, families, and vulnerable individuals throughout the community. This position is located in Newcastle, a community situated along the edge of the Black Hills National Forest, with the Thunder Basin National Grassland located to the west and south of the city. The area provides abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking and mountain biking along the Flying V Trail System, fishing, snowmobiling, and cross‑country skiing. Newcastle is also within driving distance of several notable attractions, including Jewel Cave National Monument, Vore Buffalo Jump, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Devils Tower National Monument. Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck Our total compensation package includes: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future Flexible schedules and work‑life balance options Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities and MUCH MORE! Human Resource Contact: View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Determines client needs for basic social services for children and adults. Carries a caseload and keeps all case file documentation current. Works collaboratively with law enforcement, other professionals, and agencies. Works directly with the institution or facility to develop and monitor a comprehensive treatment plan for youth in the community (home) and/or placement, including foster care and residential. Monitors, assesses, and addresses community service and restitution needs and maintains a schedule of restitution responsibilities. Provides group educational sessions in cognitive skills to help develop pro‑social behaviors. Develops discharge plans with the facility, youth, and family prior to discharge from the facility. Prepares for and testifies in court, preliminary hearings, multi-disciplinary team meetings, family partnership meetings, and court hearings. Appears and represents high‑risk juveniles during pre‑adjudication hearings, periodic reviews, status hearings, and revocation arraignments. Interview clients, periodically reassess client needs, and refer clients to community resources or other agency personnel. Prepares assessments, designs case plans, evaluates the progress of participants, and makes and monitors appropriate placements. Qualifications PREFERENCES Preference may be given to applicants with a Bachelor's Degree in social work, sociology, psychology, criminal justice, or administration of justice. Preference may be given to applicants with the ability to work a flexible schedule, which may include evenings, nights, holidays, weekends, and on‑call hours. Knowledge Knowledge of mental illnesses, medications, capacity, and competency. Knowledge of State and Federal laws pertaining to Social Work, including ICWA, ICPC, AFCARS, ASFA, and others. Knowledge of the court system, juvenile protection laws, and federal and state laws. Education MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's Degree (typically in Social Services) Experience 0-2 years of progressive work experience (typically in Social Services Programs) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Social Services Aide OR Education & Experience Substitution 3-5 years of progressive work experience (typically in Social Services Programs) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Social Services Aide Certificates, Licenses, Registrations None Physical Working Conditions This position takes place in an average work environment. Notes FLSA: Non‑Exempt All positions within the Department of Family Services will require a background check, including the taking of fingerprints, which will be completed through the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation, the Department of Family Services, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, for every successful applicant. Supplemental Information 049-Department of Family Services - Field Operations URL: The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities. Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version. Working for the State of Wyoming means more than a job — it’s a stable, rewarding career that lets you make a difference while enjoying a great quality of life. Employees Enjoy Comprehensive health coverage – medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family Voluntary Benefits – including life insurance for you and family members, ambulance, pet insurance, short/long‑term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts Multiple retirement options – including the Wyoming Retirement System and a 457B account, helping you plan for long‑term financial security Generous paid leave and flexible schedules – vacation, sick leave, paid FMLA and 9 paid holidays each year Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility – for those with qualifying student loans Training and professional development – to support your career growth and advancement Employee Assistance Program – Includes paid short‑term counseling, legal, financial and work‑life benefits and select employee discounts Wellness Program – Earn paid time off and incentives by focusing on your personal health Know your full value. Your paycheck is only part of the picture. The State of Wyoming offers a Total Compensation Calculator that shows the full value of your salary plus benefits, so you can clearly see what your complete compensation package looks like. Explore your total compensation: WORKING FOR THE GREATEST STATE IN THE NATION Wyoming offers a lifestyle you can’t find anywhere else — wide‑open spaces, clean air, friendly communities, year‑round recreation, and no state income tax. #J-18808-Ljbffr