Child Protection Worker-Assessments and Investigations

Scott County Community Development Agency•Shakopee, MN

2d•$85,367 - $133,387•Hybrid

About The Position

Performs highly responsible and professional social work involving protecting children within the permanency of their families. Positions focus on screening, assessment, case management, and family group decision-making. The intake function screens and accepts reports of child and adult maltreatment, identifies the source of maltreatment, and accepts requests for other social services and screens for eligibility. The assessment/investigation function responds to accepted reports of child maltreatment within statutory timelines. Assesses risk of repeat maltreatment, develops safety plans for children, arranges out-of-home placement when necessary, and provides support to parents and children. The case management function provides ongoing service and monitoring to families where there is a finding of abuse or neglect to protect children from further harm. Using court intervention when necessary, children are provided with a permanent safe environment through provision of social work services to families. Families active with Child Protection are not voluntary clients; thus, reactions met during the course of work vary greatly. Some evening and weekend hours may be required.

Requirements

Requires equivalency of a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or Sociology and three years of experience providing professional social work case management directly for clients.
Must possess a valid driver's license and provide a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.
Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of social work.
Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations related to social work. Including but not limited to ICWA regulations.
Knowledge of agency programs, operations, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, cultural diversities, and language barriers to ensure equitable service delivery.
Knowledge and understanding of and respect for the diversity of customers, co-workers, and supervisors, including individuals with a disability or whose first language may be other than English.
Ability to conduct interviews.
Ability to prioritize, assess, and manage cases and to analyze complex case situations to evaluate the needs for support services.
Ability to exercise good judgment in making decisions and determining when additional case review or action is needed.
Ability to follow complex verbal and written instructions.
Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.
Ability to engage and build rapport with hostile/involuntary clients.
Negotiate and work collaboratively with court partners, foster parents, service providers, and other professionals to assure child safety.
Ability to use MS Office software and other state and local technology (SSIS,Traverse etc.) for the performance of essential duties.
Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential politically heightened nature.

Nice To Haves

A Master's Degree in Social Work or related field such as Psychology, Sociology, or Human Services and one year of experience working with children and families is highly desirable but not required.
Case management experience with children and families is highly desired.

Responsibilities

Provides children with a permanent safe environment through provision of social work services to families, including crisis intervention.
Performs intake and screening functions for reports of maltreatment and other social services requests to determine if further action is warranted; accepts reports of child maltreatment and identifies the source of maltreatment.
Provides ongoing service and monitoring to families where there is a finding of abuse or neglect to protect children from further harm.
Performs assessment activities to ensure children are safe: evaluates safety needs of children, assesses reports of child maltreatment and determines if it has occurred, and assesses family functioning by defining strengths and needs.
Develops safety plans for children and assures permanency for children in a safe, supportive family setting.
Initiates court proceedings when necessary: provides recommendations to the court regarding family reunification; testifies and represents the department/county position in court; negotiates with legal/court professionals on recommendations, planning, goals and services.
Performs ongoing activities in case planning and monitoring: coaches families on how to meet their identified needs; intervenes in crisis situations; conducts searches to ensure family placement if possible; makes decisions regarding permanency needs for children (i.e. reunification, transfer of legal custody, termination of parental rights, adoption).
Performs a variety of administrative duties in keeping records and case plans; provides training to mandated reporters; acts as SSIS mentor; participates in local collaborative and inter-agency planning meetings.
Coordinates facilitation of family group decision-making conferences; prepares meeting participants for meeting; clarifies purpose of meeting and bottom-lines with referring worker and family.
Provides case management services to families through development of case plans to assure safety for children.
Finds and develops appropriate homes for children requiring out-of-home placement for safety.
Coordinates culturally specific services and resources to families (including federally mandated services), which include support and decision making by extended family members and friends.
Provides recommendations to the court regarding reunification of children in placement or alternative permanency action when reunification cannot be safely achieved.
Facilitates family conferences to address safety and permanency needs for children.
Coordinates the referral process for Family Group Decision Making and works with contracted agencies to meet the needs of families within the four grant counties.
Writes grants and collects statistical data for grant reporting.
Accepts requests for social services and determines appropriate resources for requestor; facilitates prompt and efficient responses to those requesting service.
Screens all child and adult maltreatment reports and decides on the immediacy of intervention needed.
Works the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks.
Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.
Performs other related duties as required or assigned.