Social Worker - Child Foster Care

Posted: 09/12/2025

Government

Recognized as one of the best places to work in Southeast Minnesota for three consecutive years, at Olmsted County every role helps to foster a vibrant community where everyone thrives. Our employees are at the heart of everything we do, driving public service excellence and community well-being.

We don’t just offer a job, we offer a career filled with purpose, growth, and fulfillment. Our benefits package ensures your wellbeing, while career advancement opportunities and professional development empower you to reach your full potential.

Join us, and you'll be part of a purpose-driven team where your work truly makes a difference. Together, we build a sustainable, healthy, and welcoming community.

Minimum Qualifications of Education and Experience

Expected starting salary is $33.45 to $44.66. Full salary is $33.45 to $55.87.

Bachelor's or Master's degree from an accredited college or university.

Regular and reliable attendance is a necessary component of job/position. Individuals required to use County vehicles and equipment must have a valid driver's license and be free of any major traffic violations for the last three (3) years.

Desirable Qualifications:

Two years of social service related experience. Experience with child foster care licensing and monitoring compliance of Minnesota Rule and Statute.

Nature of Work

Under supervision, and within Federal, State and locally developed programs and policies, identifies individual and/or family needs and works toward meeting those needs through County and community support services. Provides case management and/or advocacy for customers. May provide education in community-based settings. Works within a multi-disciplinary team setting. Supports a diverse, respectful, and inclusive workplace.

Examples of Work

Assess applicants and their home settings in accordance with licensing standards to determine eligibility for foster care licensure
Assist applicants and license holders with completing licensing documents to obtain licensure, maintain eligibility, monitor ongoing compliance of licensing requirements, and evaluation of foster homes and services provided
Conduct home study assessment process to identify family strengths, needs, and challenges
Assess and address individual family's needs to ensure appropriate support and service coordination and resource information
Support families in identifying and strengthening their natural support systems
Provide support to kinship and relative care providers by helping them navigate grief and loss, trauma, court process, and complex family relationships
Coordinate out-of-home placements requests by matching children with foster families based on individual strengths and needs
Inform clients about available resources, their rights and their responsibilities under programs and services
Serve as a liaison and support resource between foster parents, social workers, and other service providers
Collaborate and correspond with referring social workers and agencies to share information and coordinate services
Participate in Family Involvement Strategies meetings as needed to identify and enhance natural supports for child and families
Maintain detailed documentation and records in electronic case files to ensure compliance with state and federal licensing requirements
Consult and collaborate with the licensing team, other county departments and community service providers to develop and provide appropriate and timely services
Consult with Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) regarding licensing requirements and violations
Represents the department in community outreach and community engagements, including presenting program information and collaborating on service planning
Participate in Rule 13 audits as needed to ensure compliance with MN Rule and Statute.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the social sciences
Knowledge of the principles of social work
Knowledge of community resources
Knowledge of social and economic problems
Knowledge of motivating factors of human behavior
Knowledge of the dynamics of victimization and the root causes of violence
Knowledge of trauma-informed practices
Knowledge of the criminal justice system, including victim rights
Knowledge of therapeutic and strength-based approaches
Knowledge of and sensitivity to victim issues, victim needs
Knowledge of agency policies
Knowledge of data practices and confidentiality
Skilled in verbal communication, public speaking, writing and recording of information and data
Skill in the use of computers and technology
Skills in individual and community advocacy
Ability to understand individual and family needs with empathy and objectivity
Ability to exercise good judgment in recommending possible solutions for individual and family needs and when utilizing conflict management and advocacy skills
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, co-workers, public officials and citizens of the community
Ability to organize efficiently and keep records systematically
Ability to work independently and to recognize when supervision is needed
Ability to work with diverse populations
Ability to serve as a liaison to community resources
Ability to drive an automobile

Persons with disabilities: the above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-essential job duties.