<p>Position Summary</p> <p>The primary responsibilities of the Initial Assessment Specialist in Access include receiving reports of alleged child abuse and neglect from a variety of community reporters via telephone, letter, fax, and email from a variety of reporters such as law enforcement and schools. Gather and analyze information from reporters utilizing an assessment model. Provide information to the reporters, collateral contacts and other professionals about the responsibilities associated with Child Protective Services. Provide appropriate community resource referral information to reporters and collateral contacts. This position may provide consultative services and intervention services to clients and members of their families to aid them in achieving a more satisfactory adjustment of their specific problems or situation. Participate in 24 hours on call rotation for the after-hours program as indicated by the Division of Milwaukee Child Protective Services policies and procedures to ensure continuous provision of access and Initial Assessment services within Milwaukee County.</p> <p>Senior level requires successful completion of the Initial Assessment Certification program, plus a minimum of one year Child Protective Services experience.</p> <p>Entry - View the complete position description.</p> <p>Senior - View the complete position description.</p> <p>Typical 2nd shift hours are 2:00p.m. to 10:30p.m. However, hours may vary based on the needs of the position in assessing child safety. Due to the nature of this job, additional hours at the end of the shift may be required to ensure child safety.</p> <p>Salary Information</p> <p>The classification title for this position is Initial Assessment Specialist or Initial Assessment Specialist Senior. The starting salary is between $27.00 and $33.00 per hour ($56,160 and $68,640 annually), depending on qualifications. Pay for current State of WI employees will be based on the compensation plan in effect at the time of the appointment. Pay for current state employees who are transferring will be determined based upon the pay on transfer rules (higher level duties or equity) as outlined in the compensation plan in effect at the time of appointment.</p> <p>The pay schedule/range is 12-63 (senior) and 12-64 (entry). A one-year probationary period may be required.</p> <p>This position includes:</p> <ul> <li>Overtime pay (hourly pay x 1.5 for working over 40 hours in a standard work week), when position necessitates. </li><li>Night and weekend differential of $0.80/hr. Night differential is applicable when working before 6:00 a.m. and/or after 6:00 p.m. </li><li>Eligibility for position advancement to Senior level after approximately 14 -18 months of service (includes a pay increase). </li><li>"On call" rate of $125 per weekday shift and $150 per weekend and holiday shift, in addition to hourly pay for any hours worked during the shift. "On call" includes rotational and voluntary sign-ups. </li><li>A reimbursement of $.51 per mile driven in your personal vehicle, for necessary work-related activities. </li><li>Future increases, in accordance with the Governor's Compensation Plan. </li></ul> <p>Job Details</p> <p>Due to the nature of the position, final candidates may be required to allow DCF to conduct a security background check to determine whether the circumstances of any pending charges or convictions would be substantially related to the job being filled.</p> <p>Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without DCF sponsorship.) The Department of Children and Families does not sponsor visas, either at time of hire or at any later time.</p> <p>Qualifications</p> <p>Minimally qualified applicants will have:</p> <ul> <li>Experience, training and/or education in social welfare, social science, or related field (which may include law enforcement, emergency medical or fire services, child and family welfare, counseling, psychology, health education, behavioral health, etc.). </li><li>Experience creating (drafting) written reports or assessments. </li><li>Effective oral communication skills. </li><li>Experience handling competing priorities. </li><li>Experience making unbiased decisions. </li></ul> <p>Well-qualified applicants will have:</p> <ul> <li>Associate degree or higher in social welfare, social science, or related field (which may include law enforcement, child and family welfare, counseling, psychology, health education, behavioral health, etc.) </li><li>Experience and/or formal training interpreting and applying social welfare-related laws and regulations. </li><li>Experience working in a call center environment. </li><li>Experience or training in interviewing diverse populations (which may include families, parents, and children) to gather information and make recommendations. </li><li>Experience handling stressful situations and/or de-escalating situations. </li><li>Experience investigating allegations of child abuse or neglect and managing a case load independently. </li><li>Experience using a case management database, such as EWISACWIS. </li></ul> <p>How To Apply</p> <p>If you haven't already done so, you will need to create an account and apply online. You must apply online to be considered for this position. Application materials will not be accepted if received in an e-mail, as a hard copy or a fax. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.</p> <p>After you are logged in and are viewing the announcement, click "Apply Now." You will be asked to provide your personal information and required materials. Online applications that do not include all of the requested materials will not be considered.</p> <p>Both a resume and letter of qualification are required. If both documents are not submitted during the application process, your application will be disqualified. Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application at DCF and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. View instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications for your DCF application and what should be included in these materials.</p> <p>Submitted materials will be evaluated by one or more subject matter experts and qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.</p> <p>The State of Wisconsin is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to applicants of any race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national original, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.</p> <p>The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.</p> <p>Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer, voluntary demotion, or former employees as a reinstatement) must complete the application process to apply.</p> <p>Deadline to Apply</p> <p>The deadline to apply is 11:59 PM on December 28, 2025. If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact, Angela Cox at 608-422-6422 or via email at angela.cox@wisconsin.gov. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.</p>