Social Worker I/II - Child Protection Investigator

Washington County•Government Center, MN

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Washington County is hiring for a Child Protection Investigator position. This position would be temporarily located on a training team until there was a vacancy on the investigations team. The Child Protection Investigator is responsible for assessing reports of child maltreatment, ensuring child safety, engaging families, and connecting children and caregivers with services and supports. This position conducts thorough investigations, collaborates with community partners, and utilizes strengths-based, trauma-informed practices to promote child safety, permanency, and well-being. The investigator balances child protection responsibilities with family engagement to achieve positive outcomes for children and families. This position requires work in office, community, home, school, hospital, and court settings. The position may involve exposure to challenging family situations, crisis intervention, and occasional after-hours response. Frequent travel within the county or service area is required. Our Child Protection team is committed to strengthening families, ensuring child safety, and supporting positive outcomes for children. We value collaboration, professional development, innovation, and a strengths-based approach to serving families and communities.

Requirements

Knowledge of child development, family systems, trauma, abuse and neglect dynamics, and child welfare practices
Ability to assess child safety, risk, and protective capacities
Strong interviewing, engagement, and conflict resolution skills
Ability to establish rapport with children, families, and community partners
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to make sound decisions in complex and emotionally charged situations
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to manage competing priorities and meet required timelines
Proficiency with case management systems and technology
Bachelor's Degree in social work or related field, or equivalent.
Demonstrates knowledge of interviewing techniques and skills at conducting interviews.
Demonstrates knowledge of relevant laws, policies and resources.
Demonstrates knowledge of social and economic problems and family systems.
Demonstrates knowledge of legal and court proceedings.
Demonstrates ability to assess vulnerabilities and strengths of individuals and families.
Demonstrates ability to develop clear and reasonable services and plans.
Demonstrates ability to coordinate implementation of services and plans with families, other agencies and the community at large.
Demonstrates ability to counsel and offer supportive services to individuals and families including those in crisis.
Demonstrates ability to apply previously acquired knowledge and skills to complex situations.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with children, families, or vulnerable populations
Child welfare or child protection experience
Experience using SSIS
Experience conducting investigations, assessments, or case management
Paid work experience with and providing services to individuals from a variety of cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
A Master's Degree in Social Work or related field
One year of related experience as a Social Worker

Responsibilities

Receive and respond to reports of alleged child abuse, neglect, and maltreatment
Conduct child protection investigations and family assessments in accordance with state statutes, county policies, and best practices
Interview children, parents, caregivers, collateral contacts, and other involved parties
Assess child safety and risk factors and develop safety plans when necessary
Make determinations regarding maltreatment findings and child safety
Complete home visits and field contacts in a variety of settings
Document case activities, assessments, findings, and recommendations in the agency's case management system
Collaborate with law enforcement, schools, medical professionals, mental health providers, and community organizations
Prepare reports and provide testimony for court proceedings as needed
Identify family strengths and needs and connect families with community resources and supportive services
Participate in multidisciplinary teams and case consultations
Maintain compliance with state and federal regulations, agency policies, and professional standards
Respond to crisis situations and emergencies involving child safety
Coordinate client intake.
Develop, write, implement and monitor strength-based individual and family service plans to correct/eliminate identified problems.
Determine appropriate resources and referrals to community-based care and services.
Develop and implement abuse prevention plans to address vulnerabilities.
Determine and implement intervention services.
Assess risks to self and others (abuse or neglect and dangerousness).
Intervene in crisis situations.
Coordinate and secure emergency services.
Negotiate and resolve conflicts.
Provide client case management.
Collaborate and consult with others (professional staff and community agencies) regarding clients, community services or programs.
Open and maintain client case records and files according to established standards and timelines.
Prepare necessary correspondence, required narratives, eligibility reviews and other incoming/outgoing communication about the client.
Provide appropriate information regarding case openings, closings, and denials.
Provide testimony or written recommendations in county or district court or in administrative appeal hearings regarding client cases.
Advise clients of possible resources, rights and responsibilities under programs or services.
Develop, coordinate and deliver program information to the general public, special interest groups and professional organizations.
Performs other duties as assigned.