Social Worker Specialist - ACT

Olmsted County has earned the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Best Places to Work - Southeast Minnesota designation.

Minimum Qualifications of Education and Experience

Expected starting salary is $35.37 to $47.22 Full salary range is $35.37 to $59.07.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and two (2) years of experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions.

Master's degree from an accredited college or university and one (1) year of experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions.

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.

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. Works within a multi-disciplinary team setting. Acts as a role model for other staff. Promotes respectful communication and conflict resolution strategies. Advises and leads social workers in difficult cases and treatment usage. Takes on highly complex and/or sensitive cases which may have a high level of conflict and takes the lead on special/complex projects. Will be part of the Assertive Community Treatment team in the role of Generalist.  Supports a diverse, respectful, and inclusive workplace.

This position is part of an ACT (Assertive Community Treatment) team.  ACT provides support seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day.  Team members rotate shifts out of normal business hours.  Team members flex their time and are compensated, per contract, for providing coverage for weekends, evenings and holidays. 

Examples of Work

• Functions as the Generalist Specialist for the Assertive Community Treatment team.
• Responsible for in-service training and orientation of new social workers as directed by a Program Manager.
• Provides guidance and consultation to the team regarding evidence-based approaches per program fidelity.
• Provides field supervision of student interns.
• Leads data collection, analysis and report writing for the specific program area.
• Collaborates with other community agencies or organizations to obtain information or resources for individual cases.
• Performs lead social worker functions with a specialization related to collecting and organizing information relevant to the team's responsibilities.
• Develops and conducts presentations to community partners.
• Represents the ACT Program on boards and collaborative activities.
• Participates in the interviewing process for hiring new social work staff.
• Develops and implements service plans based on identified and assessed problems.
• Conducts assessments and makes recommendations.
• Counsels individuals, families and groups using selected evidence-based strategies and methods depending upon problem.
• Recommends and prepares reports for County Attorney and court.
• Advises other peers and social workers on difficult or unique problems.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Thorough knowledge of the social sciences
• Thorough knowledge of the principles of social work
• Thorough knowledge of community resources
• Thorough knowledge of substance use disorders
• Thorough knowledge of serious and persistent mental health disorders
• Thorough 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
• Skill in verbal communication, public speaking, writing and recording of information and data
• Skill in the use of computers and technology
• Skill in individual and community advocacy
• Ability to lead, mentor and train other staff
• 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.