Social Worker - Adult Protection

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

Minimum Qualifications of Education and Experience

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.

Nature of Work

Under general supervision of a Program Manager and within state and locally developed programs and policies, the social worker provides Adult Protective Services including assessment, investigation, and intervention on reports of suspected adult maltreatment as well as other related duties. This position will focus on providing education to the community about Adult Protective Services, conducting outreach to underrepresented cultural communities, providing general case management services concentrating on individuals who hoard, as well as coordinating guardianship/conservatorship processes. Supports a diverse, respectful, and inclusive workplace.

Examples of Work

• Connects with representatives from cultural communities that are underrepresented in adult maltreatment reports received
• Works collaboratively with community partners who support individuals who hoard
• Refines current guardianship/conservatorship processes
• Responds to reports of vulnerable adult maltreatment  
• Provides immediate protective services when necessary  
• Conducts interviews and makes home visits to identify needs and problems of individuals or families for services   
• Counsels individual clients to explore, identify, resolve, prevent or control problems  
• Advises clients of possible resources, rights and responsibilities under programs or services  
• Refers clients to other programs or agencies when appropriate  
• Develops and writes individual treatment plans to treat identified problems when needed
• Develops recommendations for court cases as appropriate 
• Prepares correspondence reports and maintains case records in accordance with state, federal and local guidelines
• Educates the community on vulnerable adult maltreatment issues
• Establishes relationships with service providers, Law Enforcement and the County Attorney's Office 
• Participates in team decision-making and community consultation meetings

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of State of Minnesota laws and regulations pertaining to reporting incidents of maltreatment involving vulnerable adults
• Knowledge of case management and protective services methods, techniques, and practices pertaining to vulnerable populations
• Skilled in applying methods and techniques used to conduct interviews and investigations
• Skilled in applying methods and techniques used to appropriately intervene during routine or crisis situations involving victims of abuse
• Knowledge of Safety/Risk Assessment techniques
• Needs and problems of vulnerable adults from diverse socio­ economic and cultural backgrounds
• Skilled in effectively assess and apply intervention techniques when dealing with vulnerable adults
• 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 trauma-informed practices
• 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
• Ability to develop recommendations for court cases
• 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.