Social Worker Senior (Limited Duration- Unclassified)

Ramsey County (MN)•Saint Paul, MN

48d•Hybrid

About The Position

Social Services has one limited-duration position available: Mental Health Services - Social Worker, Early Care Coordination. Ramsey County Social Services is seeking a dedicated Social Worker to provide early mental health intervention and care coordination for individuals with a Rule 20 order in criminal court. With the continued increase in Rule 20 evaluations and the forthcoming Forensic Navigator role, this position plays a critical part in supporting residents earlier in the process. The Social Worker will work collaboratively with clients, criminal courts, community providers, and the jail mental health team to identify treatment needs, coordinate services, and support alternative placements when appropriate. This early-intervention approach aims to reduce time spent in custody and lower recidivism among individuals with mental health needs. Please note that this is a limited-duration position that will remain active for 18 months, or until the associated grant funding has been fully expended. To provide social work services in a designated area such as children's services (including services to children with intellectual or developmental disabilities, day care licensing, foster care placement services, or state ward services), Adult Services (including services to people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, mental illness services or services to other vulnerable adults), or other service areas (including volunteer services or purchase-of-service case management) by determining service needs, developing service plans, implementing service plans through the provision of counseling, group work, referrals or other services, and monitoring clients' progress; and to perform related duties as assigned. (This is the journey or full performance level in this class series. It differs from the intermediate level in that employees are expected to have mastered the knowledge, skills and abilities required for proper performance. Assignments typically are performed under minimal supervision.) To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Job Descriptions. Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description. Flexible Workplace This position is identified under the designation of 'flex work eligible', meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county's flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County's Flexible Workplace policy, go to: Flexible Workplace policy.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a social/behavioral science, or equivalent; and any combination of 23 additional credits or 230 continuing education hours in fields relating to social work.
Five years' social work experience or equivalent.
Experience as a Ramsey County Human Services Case Aide 3 may substitute for general social work experience on the basis that two years Case Aide experience equals one year of general social work experience. A maximum of six years Ramsey County Human Services Case Aide experience can be substituted for general social work experience.
A Master's Degree in Social Work may substitute for two years of the experience requirement or a Master's Degree in a related social/behavioral science may substitute for one year of the experience requirement.

Responsibilities

Interview adults or children who may have a variety of mental, physical or behavioral dysfunctions to determine service needs.
Interview other persons or groups closely associated with clients, such as families, school personnel, employers or neighbors to further assess client service needs.
Evaluate individual/family functioning to develop appropriate case plans and identify treatment objectives and strategies for achieving objectives.
Determine the likelihood and degree to which clients may be in danger of physical harm and take appropriate action to protect them.
Investigate reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation of vulnerable adults within legislated time constraints.
Coordinate and facilitate use of departmental and community service resources and make appropriate referrals.
Investigate, document and present information to the County Attorney to petition juvenile, family, probate or criminal court for legal intervention and testify at proceedings.
Write social histories and case status reports for documentation of service provision for the department, court reviews and for other service providers.
Determine client needs for residential treatment and select appropriate placement homes or facilities.
Monitor client progress toward established service goals and determine termination/continuation of service.
Provide direct counseling and therapeutic intervention services to individuals or groups to improve their levels of mental, social or behavioral functioning at home, work and in the community.
Transport or arrange for transportation of clients to medical appointments, court hearings, placements and other service programs/facilities.
Consult with departmental staff, other county departments and community service professionals to develop and provide appropriate and timely services.
Provide crisis intervention services including referrals to meet emergency needs for housing, food, clothing or financial assistance.
Evaluate families and their homes for approving licensure to provide day care or foster care services and for adoptions.
Investigate complaints and revoke or suspend day/foster care licenses when warranted.
Speak to community groups to present information about programs and to recruit people to provide day care, foster care or various volunteer services.
Develop techniques and resource materials for use in recruitment.
Consult with and direct the work of volunteers and student interns.
Represent the unit/department in committee assignments and interactions with community groups for service provision and program planning.
Develop and provide training to co-workers and service providers.
Maintain accurate case records and complete forms for documentation of eligibility, treatment cost reimbursements, service referrals, evaluation of client outcomes and general case management purposes.
Provide consultation to other social workers on drafting petitions for presentation to court, and represent social workers at court hearings.
Monitor client compliance with court orders and report this to the court.
Provide data used to monitor trends and developments relating to client and program needs.
Provide problem solving consultation to clients, co-workers, service providers and other agencies.