Social Worker I

Scott County Community Development Agency • Shakopee, MN

3d • $29 - $44 • Onsite

About The Position

Performs specialized entry-level social work duties in one or more Social Service units, with assignments that may vary according to department needs and program requirements. Assists with social work services such as assessment, guidance, and referral, and develops and implements individualized treatment plans using casework methods. The employee works under the general guidance and direction of a Social Work Supervisor, Manager, or Director, following professional guidelines and applicable county, state, and federal regulations, and exercises independent judgment in implementing work methods and procedures.

The role provides direct services, case management, intake and triage, community-resource coordination, client advocacy, and documentation across a variety of programs and client populations. Duties may include in-home and community-based work, support for children and families, mental health services, guardianship and conservatorship cases, MnCHOICES coordination, and activities at the Anchor Center. The eligible register may be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or on-call vacancies in this classification.

The position is based in Shakopee, Minnesota. Work takes place indoors in an office and in field settings in the community. The role may involve stressful situations and exposure to agitated or hostile individuals, out-of-control children or pets, and unknown conditions in office, home, and community settings. Evening hours, multiple nights a week, and occasional weekend hours may be required. Physical activities range from sedentary to light work and include routine handling or navigation of loads up to 35 pounds.

Requirements

• Equivalency of a bachelor's degree in a human service-related field.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for work responsibilities.
• Knowledge of social work principles, practices, and techniques.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations related to social work.
• Knowledge of coaching and teaching methods that adapt to clients' different learning styles and needs.
• Knowledge of agency programs, operations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to conduct interviews and maintain casework records.
• Ability to analyze complex case situations and evaluate the need for support services.
• Ability to engage others in activities that support self-care and personal safety.
• Ability to problem-solve and advocate on behalf of others.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and determine when additional case review or action is needed.
• Ability to follow complex verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to use MS Office software and other state and local technologies needed for essential duties.
• Ability to use appropriate discretion with confidential matters.
• Ability to perform physical activities ranging from sedentary to light work, including routine handling or navigation of up to 35 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor of Social Work is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct client services, including education and training, solution-focused interviewing, safety planning, case management, and referrals.
• Manage Interstate Compact cases, make recommendations and reports regarding children's safety, permanency, and well-being, and complete related contacts, referrals, adoption support, interagency meetings, and provider follow-up.
• Assess family dynamics and individual needs, identify immediate safety concerns, and seek intervention when necessary.
• Supervise visitation and assess parental functioning for involuntary child protection clients; use personal protective equipment when required during a state of emergency.
• Develop behavioral, safety, and cognitive intervention plans and goals with clients, and document and measure progress.
• Coordinate Family Unification Program housing services for eligible clients and serve as liaison to the Community Development Agency.
• Interview adults and children to determine service needs, including clients with mental, physical, or behavioral issues.
• Conduct in-home client contacts and coordinate with families and service providers to develop intervention plans, monitor progress, and determine whether services should continue or end.
• Provide in-person contact and monitoring for county-funded guardianship and conservatorship cases where applicable.
• Provide problem-solving consultation and conflict resolution to clients and service providers.
• Teach independent-living skills to youth and adults, including budgeting, money management, shopping, and organization.
• Provide parenting support by helping parents establish goals and monitoring progress.
• Help clients identify and access community resources; develop social services and Community Support Grant expenditure plans with families, monitor expenditures, and resolve related issues.
• Develop and review Individual Community Support Plans based on functional and diagnostic assessments.
• Monitor discharge plans for clients leaving residential treatment facilities, regional treatment centers, or inpatient hospitals.
• Evaluate assessed needs and negotiate service rates for providers where applicable.
• Facilitate social, educational, and recreational groups and outings at the Anchor Center; coordinate special activities and work with outside providers and organizations.
• Maintain a Mental Health Adult Services caseload and complete monthly Anchor Center calendars and newsletters.
• Assist clients with Social Security applications, retaining legal representation, finding and maintaining housing, and attaining or maintaining MA, GA, MFIP, and SNAP benefits.
• Coordinate services with community providers, help clients make and keep medical and psychiatric appointments, and provide transportation for clients.
• Facilitate the Scott County NAMI meeting twice a month.
• Conduct client intake and triage; identify service needs, explain programs, refer clients and families to community services, provide information about home- and community-based services and MA eligibility, and advocate for access to services.
• Maintain program and service waiting lists.
• Complete case notes and documentation of client and collateral contacts and communications, court documentation and testimony, EHR entries, billing records, clinical supervision and continuing-education documentation, and service-coordination records.
• Maintain detailed grids of provider competencies, coding formulas, credentialing, and service agreements.
• Determine the need for child or adult protective-services intervention in cases involving abuse or neglect.
• Coordinate MnCHOICES communications about assessments, reassessments, and support plans; route requests and information to the appropriate agency staff or business area.
• Receive and track reassessment requests and assign them to certified assessors for MnCHOICES assessments.
• Provide data to monitor trends and developments related to client and program needs.
• Provide placement support, including oversight of Title IV-E, Social Security eligibility, and MA for youth in care, as applicable.
• Identify needed medical supplies, negotiate provider rates, and arrange services as directed.
• Manage and monitor the CCB Waiver Management System to ensure authorizations are within budget, as applicable.
• Maintain the CCB wait-list and assign available slots according to DHS and agency priorities, as applicable.
• Participate in case conferences, administrative reviews, recipient staffing, permanency and placement mappings, safety-planning meetings and conferences, and informal conferences.
• Coordinate with other agencies to obtain services for recipients.
• Support an inclusive environment focused on equitable outcomes.
• Work assigned hours or shifts, begin and end work on time, and perform other related duties as required or assigned.

Benefits

• A comprehensive benefits package is provided to employees who work 20 hours per week or more; detailed benefit information is available through the Scott County Benefit Hub.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level