Social Worker (Child Protection)

Wright County•Mn 55313, MN

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Wright County Health & Human Services is hiring a full-time Child Protection Social Worker. The role provides services to families, including assessments, intervention, safety planning, case management, and court intervention when necessary. Social workers work with families voluntarily and through court intervention under a CHIPS petition, with family preservation as the primary goal. The position requires regular attendance and participation in court trials. The role performs advanced human support work by assessing, planning, providing, and coordinating social services through professional social work and case management. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Social Services Supervisor. The position may be assigned specialized functions within the Health and Human Services Department and is in an office work setting. The hiring pay range is $33.97–$38.05 per hour, depending on qualifications and direct work experience.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in social work, or a bachelor's degree in a related field and one year of related social work or health and human services experience.
MnCHOICES Assessor certification within six months of employment.
Valid driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility upon hire.
Knowledge of social work theory and practice fundamentals and principles and theory of human behavior.
Knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply laws and regulations related to mental health, chemical dependency, adult and child protection, licensing, child welfare, adoption, and physical and developmental disability programs.
Knowledge of local, State, and Federal laws, rules, regulations, and policies relevant to the assigned area, including court procedures and practices.
Knowledge of computer systems and programs used to administer Human Service programs and of County government workflows and processes.
Skill using standard office equipment, including computers and software programs.
Verbal and written communication skills to present information effectively and respond to questions from a wide variety of audiences.
Reading comprehension sufficient to understand medical reports and technical and legal documents.
Interpersonal skills to exchange and convey information, receive work direction, and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to enter data into various databases and deal effectively with demanding or challenging individuals and people in crisis.
Ability to pay attention to detail, organize time, anticipate and plan, and respond successfully to changing circumstances.
Ability to perform job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and maintain awareness of safety practices.
Ability to communicate courteously and professionally while maintaining positive working relationships.
Ability to attend and participate regularly in court trials.

Nice To Haves

Two years of related work experience in Health and Human Services is preferred.
QDDP status upon hire may be required.

Responsibilities

Conduct intake, outreach, and assessments with communities, systems, families, and individuals; provide social service interventions using evidence-based practices and standards.
Meet with clients to identify needs and services, and obtain and review diagnostic evaluations for program and service eligibility.
Develop case plans, provide services, conduct case management activities and investigations, and perform health and safety assessments and screenings.
Develop written support and service plans; review, monitor, and adjust plans as needed.
Respond to crisis situations, advocate for client services, and provide services or refer clients for services and placements with community providers.
Contact law enforcement or emergency services as necessary and delegate work to support staff as necessary.
Consult with the Supervisor and, as appropriate, the County Attorney's Office regarding legislation, data practices, and ethical dilemmas.
Provide training and serve as a resource to department staff, community members, schools, and other County Departments regarding program rules, requirements, and County practices; update and maintain program resources.
Oversee, mentor, and participate in orientation and training for newly hired social work staff, students, and interns.
Report maltreatment, deaths, and serious injuries involving adults and children; testify and provide documentation in appeals and legal proceedings.
Attend meetings, training, and conferences and review technical literature to maintain knowledge of programs, laws, and procedures.
Perform other duties and activities as assigned.