Social Worker I/II - Ongoing Child Protection

Washington County•Government Center, MN

About The Position

This Social Worker I/II position provides ongoing child protection services in the Children’s Division. The role involves a diverse caseload that may include in-home and out-of-home placement cases, court-involved and non-court cases, truancy and educational neglect, ICPC cases, and children and youth of all ages. Social workers support parents and caregivers by connecting them with services that promote child safety, family stability, and long-term wellbeing, including chemical health, mental health, parenting education and support, and other community-based services. The position collaborates with schools, therapists, medical providers, attorneys, and community partners. Travel within the state may be required. Court participation, including testimony, and timely, thorough documentation are regular aspects of the work. The Social Worker I is an entry-level role responsible for identifying and assessing complex individual, family, and community problems and strengths; selecting casework, group methods, or community resources; and implementing plans to protect vulnerable people, promote independence, and prevent abuse or neglect. Assignments may be in a range of human services units, with additional requirements identified for specific vacancies. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field, or equivalent. The listed preferred qualifications include a master’s degree in social work or a related field with one year of related Social Worker experience, or a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field with four years of full-time Social Worker experience in a public human services agency or a private agency contracting with one. A master’s degree may substitute for up to one year of required Social Worker experience; qualifying experience must have occurred after receipt of a bachelor’s degree. The schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Work schedules and location may change based on department needs. The anticipated annual hiring range is $70,720.00–$96,470.40. The position may be hired at the Social Worker II level depending on qualifications. The work environment is semi-sedentary and includes office and outside field work, with lifting up to 20 pounds and possible exposure to disagreeable odors, communicable diseases, bodily fluids, and behavioral challenges. General office equipment is used.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field, or equivalent.
Demonstrated knowledge of social work principles, techniques, practices, and ethics.
Knowledge of interviewing techniques and ability to conduct interviews.
Knowledge of relevant laws, policies, and resources.
Knowledge of social and economic problems and family systems.
Knowledge of legal and court proceedings.
Ability to assess vulnerabilities and strengths of individuals and families.
Ability to develop clear and reasonable services and plans.
Ability to coordinate implementation of services and plans with families, agencies, and the community.
Ability to counsel and provide supportive services to individuals and families, including those in crisis.
Ability to apply previously acquired knowledge and skills to complex situations.
Ability to promote a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.
Ability to communicate and collaborate with families and professionals, balance direct service with timely documentation, and use empathy, critical thinking, and sound judgment.
For the stated experience-based qualification path: a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field and four years of full-time Social Worker experience in a public human services agency or a private human services agency that contracts with a public human services agency. Qualifying experience must be after receipt of a bachelor’s degree.
Work hours are listed as 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; schedules and location may change based on department needs.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in social work or a related field and one year of related experience as a Social Worker.
Two years of paid child protection social worker experience in a county or tribal agency.
Experience interacting with and providing services to people from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Paid work experience working with children and families.
Experience using SSIS.
Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field and four years of full-time Social Worker experience in a public human services agency or a private human services agency that contracts with a public human services agency. A master’s degree may substitute for up to one year of required Social Worker experience.

Responsibilities

Receive referrals, conduct interviews, and investigate to identify and assess problems or the need for intervention or services.
Develop, write, implement, and monitor strength-based individual and family service plans to correct or eliminate identified problems.
Determine appropriate resources and refer clients to community-based care and services.
Develop and implement abuse prevention plans to address vulnerabilities.
Assess risks to self and others, including abuse, neglect, and dangerousness.
Intervene in crisis situations, coordinate and secure emergency services, and negotiate and resolve conflicts.
Collaborate and consult with professional staff and community agencies regarding clients, services, and programs.
Open and maintain client case records and files according to established standards and timelines.
Prepare correspondence, required narratives, eligibility reviews, and other communications about clients.
Provide appropriate information regarding case openings, closings, and denials.
Provide testimony or written recommendations in county or district court or administrative appeal hearings regarding client cases.
Advise clients about resources, rights, and responsibilities under programs or services.
Develop, coordinate, and deliver program information to the general public, special interest groups, and professional organizations.
Connect parents and caregivers with services related to chemical health, mental health, parenting education and support, and other community-based needs.
Collaborate with schools, therapists, medical providers, attorneys, and community partners to support child safety and family functioning.
Travel within the state as needed to meet with families or support case needs.
Participate in court processes, including testifying.
Complete significant documentation in compliance with applicable policy and timelines.
Perform other duties as assigned.