Social Worker-CPS

Douglas, County of•Mn 56308, MN

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Child Protection Social Worker is responsible for promoting the safety, permanency, and well-being of children by assessing reports of abuse and neglect, developing service plans, and providing ongoing case management services. This position works collaboratively with children, families, community partners, legal professionals, and multidisciplinary teams to identify risks, strengthen protective factors, and support positive outcomes for vulnerable children while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university with a major in social work, psychology, sociology, or a closely related field or A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in any field and one (1) year of experience as a social worker in a public or private social services agency.
A valid Minnesota driver’s license or the ability to obtain one upon start of employment.
Knowledge of the principles and techniques of interviewing and recording in social work and the ability to apply them.
Knowledge of individual and group behavior.
Knowledge of social casework objectives, principles, and methods.
Knowledge of social-economic factors, which promote stable family life, and understanding of the elements, which affect family security.
Knowledge of the principles of community organization.
Knowledge of physical and mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities, and substance use disorders.
Knowledge of social welfare research methods.
Knowledge of family systems and dynamics.
Ability to effectively apply casework knowledge and skills.
Working ability to work constructively within an agency in the community setting and in effectively utilizing appropriate resources and services.
Ability to work constructively in the development and coordination of community resources to meet special needs.
Ability to manage time productively.
Ability to prioritize caseloads.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Nice To Haves

Successful completion of Minnesota Child Protection/Child Welfare Orientation and Foundations training.
Demonstrated knowledge of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act (MIFPA), and culturally responsive child welfare practices.
Proficiency in the Minnesota Social Services Information System (SSIS) and electronic case documentation requirements.
Experience with Child in Need of Protection or Services (CHIPS) proceedings, including court testimony, report writing, permanency planning, and collaboration with attorneys, guardians ad litem, and judicial officers.
Considerable knowledge of federal and state welfare programs and laws.
Knowledge of community resources.
Knowledge of criminal statutes relating to child protection.

Responsibilities

Conducts complex case evaluations to assess risk/maltreatment/problems and determine appropriate action.
Develop individualized safety plans with families to address immediate safety concerns.
Assist clients in a person-centered and culturally appropriate manner in receiving appropriate assessment and ongoing services.
Prepare safety/service plans; meet with clients regularly to review plans; rewrite plans as appropriate.
Know of and interact with community resources to provide effective referral and intervention for clients.
Participating in training needed to increase knowledge in social work processes, as well as knowledge of specific program areas.
Seek court intervention when needed to protect the health/safety of vulnerable children or adults; prepare reports needed for court; testify in court as may be necessary; implement court orders.
Consult with necessary professionals in multiple disciplines such as medicine, education, mental health, and others regarding assessment and case management decisions.
Interprets programs to clients, refers clients to appropriate community services.
Communicate verbally and in writing with the families, service providers, other professionals, as well as the court system.
Act as a liaison with community and referral services.
Prepare and maintain case records which meet federal, state, and local statutes/rules.
Participate in team meetings, agency staff meetings, county meetings, and trainings.
Comply with all rules and policies to maintain a safe work environment.
Demonstrate reliable, predictable attendance and punctuality.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

No-cost/low-cost health insurance plan options.
Douglas County contributes to a Health Savings Account and a (PERA) pension plan.
Vested in as little as 3 years of employment for lifetime benefits upon retirement.
Qualified Employer for the Public Sector Loan Forgiveness Program.
$40,000 of life insurance at no expense.
Supplemental life insurance coverage is available for you, your spouse, and your dependents.
10 working days of vacation accrual (0-4 years).
15 working days of vacation accrual (5–9 years).
20 working days of vacation accrual (10–14 years).
25 working days of vacation accrual (15–19 years).
30 working days of vacation accrual (Over 20 years).
Earned Safe and Sick Time: 1 day of sick leave for each month of service, accumulative to 90 days.
The first 48 hours (or up to 80 hours if any eligible time was carried over) will be counted as ESST.