Social Worker Specialist - Housing

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

Minimum Qualifications of Education and Experience

Expected salary range is $34.59 to $46.18.  Full salary range is $34.59 to $57.77.

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.

OR

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

Based in the Olmsted County Housing Department and under the supervision of a Program Manager or Supervisor, takes lead role within the Housing Stability Team to provide housing navigation and case management to families and youth at risk of or experiencing homelessness.  This position will be embedded within the Rochester Public School District and work with other Olmsted County school districts as needs arise.  This position also provides outreach to families and youth experiencing homelessness and responds to new opportunities to prevent and end homelessness in Olmsted County. 

Examples of Work

• Collaborates with the Students In Transition Liaison and team to identify students experiencing housing instability or homelessness within the schools. 
• Serves as a member of the Housing stability Team and the broader community homeless response system
• Builds trusting relationships with parents/caregivers of children or unaccompanied youth 
• Conducts assessment of the family system - identifies needs, strengths, and services that may be beneficial to the family/student 
• Assists parent/caregivers/youth with identifying housing resources
• Provides housing navigation services
• Collaborates with professional and natural support systems
• Provides case management services during and post housing crisis 
• Serves as liaison between school, Olmsted County, and community services
• Completes Housing Consultation and Housing Stabilization Services
• Provides active outreach to families and youth experiencing homelessness in the community 
• Provide crisis intervention
• Provides leadership among community partners to improve programs and the Homeless Response System. 
• Assists with program development and evaluation. Implements changes in policies and procedures.
• Performs data collection, analysis, reports, and grant writing for the team.
• Provides specific case consultation to peers under the direction of or in the absence of a Program Manager.
• Presents to and provides training for school staff, providers, partners, and community groups and performs outreach to community groups.
• Implements service plans based on identified and assessed needs
• Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Knowledge and experience in working with families and youth experiencing homelessness 
• Knowledge of housing resources
• Thorough knowledge of the social sciences
• Thorough knowledge of the principles of social work
• Thorough knowledge of community resources
• Thorough knowledge of diversity and equity issues and ability to work with diverse populations
• Knowledge of motivating factors of human behavior
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices, Harm Reduction, Housing First, and Motivational Interviewing practices 
• Knowledge of therapeutic and strength-based approaches
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices
• 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 establish and maintain effective working relationship with people served, colleagues, public officials and community members 
• 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 work independently and to recognize when supervision is needed

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.