Social Worker - Ongoing Child Protection

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

Minimum Qualifications of Education and Experience

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

Nature of Work

Under general supervision of a program manager or supervisor, and within State and locally developed programs and policies, responds to concerns from individuals, families and the community regarding the safety and well-being of children. Under guidance of State Statute and Rule, and group decision making, determine responses to reported concerns and possible interventions to support the child and family.  Supports a diverse, respectful, and inclusive workplace.

Examples of Work

• Provides services to youth, families, and providers in a variety of settings that include but are not limited to home visits, office, and facilities. Follows through on treatment and service plans per program requirements.
• Completes and maintains documentation in compliance with statutory, program, and audit requirements
• Works collaboratively with youth and families on development of treatment and service plans per program requirements.
• Provides advocacy, education, resources, and referrals based on policies, regulations, funding, and unique needs of youth and families.
• Conducts investigations and/or assessments of needs utilizing various assessment tools.
• Participates in case consultation and interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Actively engages networks of support for families.
• Secures funding and assists with accessing benefits and other entitlements.
• Actively participates in growth and development opportunities
• Provides crisis response and intervention to youth and families which may be outside of traditional work hours

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of family-based services/family dynamics/ family group conferencing.
• Knowledge of child protection and child welfare problems and services.
• Knowledge of mental health programs and services.
• Thorough knowledge of principles, methods and techniques of social work.
• Knowledge and appreciation for impact of secondary stress reaction, including ability to exercise self-care strategies.
• Considerable knowledge of dynamics of individual and family behavior.
• Considerable knowledge of human growth and development.
• Considerable knowledge of the use of community resources.
• Knowledge of social and economic problems.
• Knowledge of federal and state social services programs and laws.
• Knowledge of agency policies.
• Knowledge of diverse cultures.
• Ability to use counseling techniques effectively on an individual, family, or group basis.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with clients, co-workers, public officials, and citizens of the community.

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.