Family Based Services Provider

Nicollet County•North Mankato, MN

About The Position

Under the direct supervision of the Child Protection and Licensing Supervisor, this position supports the Nicollet County Health and Human Services department. The role teaches, mentors, supports, and provides resources to parents involved in child protection or other child welfare services, whether voluntary or court ordered, with the goal of child safety and reunification. The position coordinates supervised visitation between children in foster care and their families, working with parents, schools, foster parents, daycares, and other involved individuals. It observes and documents interactions between children and parents, ensures children’s safety and well-being, and reports progress through ongoing communication with the supervisor, case managers, and service providers. The position may also testify in court. The regular hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM, with additional evening and weekend hours potentially required.

Requirements

Valid Minnesota driver’s license.
High school diploma or GED.
Two years of post-secondary education from an accredited college, with coursework in human services, social work, psychology, sociology, nursing, education, or a closely related field; OR two years of experience in social services, child care, education, or a similar field; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to prepare operational records and reports.
Ability to listen, comprehend, and communicate effectively in writing and orally with all individuals.
Ability to demonstrate initiative, integrity, ethics, and excellence in work performance.
Ability to work independently and make critical observations under stressful circumstances.
Ability to complete thorough documentation and maintain client files.
Ability to conduct reports, analyze findings, and prepare documents.
Ability to analyze problems, troubleshoot issues, and offer and implement solutions based on research, analysis, experience, and judgment.
Ability to use a computer and related software applications and comply with data practices policies and standards.
Ability to identify, address, and effectively resolve conflict.
Ability to perform mathematical computations.
Considerable knowledge of the child protection system.
Knowledge of community resources; counseling and education methods and concepts; applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations; recordkeeping principles; and computers and related software applications.
Knowledge and experience with computer hardware, technology, programs, software, and systems generally used in an office and specific to department operations, such as Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat, or similar software.
Knowledge of child development, mental health diagnosis, treatment modalities, and community resources.
Skill in using a computer, Microsoft Office, and related software applications.
Communication and interpersonal skills sufficient to exchange or convey information and give and receive work direction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public, and others.

Responsibilities

Assess complex family dynamics and client needs with the case manager to determine appropriate referrals and services.
Develop goals and methods to help clients meet those goals while respecting and maintaining client confidentiality.
Maintain an accounting of time using the Social Services Information System (SSIS) and maintain case records in accordance with federal, state, and local guidelines.
Plan, coordinate, transport, and supervise foster children for supervised visitation and other appointments, and communicate plans to everyone involved.
Provide court testimony or court-related written reports as directed by the department.
Provide crisis assistance and support to clients and make appropriate referrals for ongoing services and supports.
Assist clients with completing paperwork and applications to access services.
Provide parent education and training in time and money management, stress management, and other independent living skills to adults and children involved in child welfare and child protection services.
Provide supervised visitation, assess parents’ capacity to provide safety for children during visits, and act accordingly.
Request, coordinate, and administer drug testing by collecting urine or other bodily samples as needed in county offices, the community, and clients’ homes.
Observe and document interactions between children and parents, ensure children’s safety and well-being, and communicate progress to the supervisor, case managers, and other service providers.