The Dane County Clerk of Courts in Madison, WI has a current vacancy for a part-time (0.5 FTE) Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) Social Worker.
The Eligibility List created from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies over the next six (6) months.
Note to applicants – for the 2026 budget year, there is a 1% reduction in wages (already reflected above), an additional 21 holiday hours, and continued earning of longevity and merit steps.
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION
As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customers’ needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence - the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, provides independent investigative and social work services for the Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) Program. Performs diagnostic/assessment studies to identify the nature, cause and extent of the family's difficulties. Provides recommendations for services on a confidential basis to the program attorneys based on the best interest of the children.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Provides specialized services on cases involving the protection, rehabilitation and care of children. Consults with mental health, social service, and school personnel, and other professionals connected with that case evaluation for the purpose of assessment of children's and parent's individual needs and abilities and recommends appropriate services and treatment. Prepares social histories with emphasis on psycho-social factors. Prepares and maintains records. Conducts individual and family interviews. Provides recommendations and information to the program attorneys regarding the best interest of children.Performs related duties as required.
Education, Training and Experience:
A Master's degree in social work or closely related human services field and six (6) months of professional social work experience; or a Bachelor's degree in social work or closely related human services field and two and one-half (2.5) years of professional social work experience.
Certifications/Licenses:
Applicants must possess a permanent Social Work Certification from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) prior to applying.
Special Requirements:
Possession of or eligibility for a valid driver's license and access to personal transportation.
Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job’s responsibilities. Wisconsin’s Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position’s responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant’s criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.). Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.
For Bilingual Positions:
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Provide services in both English and the required foreign language (e.g., Spanish, Arabic, Hmong, etc.).
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Applicants being considered for bilingual positions will be tested during the recruitment process prior to employment. This will primarily consist of passing an oral language proficiency assessment from English to foreign language and foreign language to English, but may require additional language testing, such as written translation, if it is an essential function of the job.
- If applicable, individuals may confirm with the Employee Relations Division whether results of bilingual language certifications/ examinations they currently hold qualify them for the position’s bilingual designation.
Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:
Typical office environment. Ability to sit or stand to operate a personal computer with or without assistance. Ability to travel from office to other locations in and around Dane County, with occasional out of county travel. Ability to see and hear within normal ranges with or without adaptive devices. Extensive computer terminal use, reading and writing.
Thorough knowledge of and skill in the application of practices and techniques of family assessment, child growth and development, psychological testing, alcohol and other drug abuse, and cycle of violence. Knowledge of causes and treatment of problematic parent child interaction, as well as related local community resources. Knowledge and familiarity with physical and behavioral indications of abuse and neglect and conditions or situations which create a risk of harm for children. Knowledge and familiarity with factors which can influence bonding attachment. Knowledge of Wisconsin juvenile statutes and related guardianship statutes. Ability to evaluate needs of the child and the parents in order to determine what, if any, treatment is required in the best interest of the child. Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. Ability to communicate effectively in writing. Ability to recognize and assess parental behavior and child behavior associated with varying types of child maltreatment. Ability to objectively assess needs of children and families from a variety of economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate records.
