Community Living Specialist (SW)- Intake

General Description

POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive
DEPARTMENT: Social Services
HOURS: Full-time
PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $70,518 - $79,333/annually (108 Salary Grade)
FULL SALARY RANGE: $70,518 - $110,185/annually
LOCATION: Hybrid; telework and in person at the Northern Service Center in West St. Paul
UNION: AFSCME 306
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on 1/22/2025

Currently, there are 3 vacancies for this position.

Come join us at Dakota County and "Be more". Dakota County employs over 2,000 skilled individuals whose talents and contributions makes Dakota County a premier place to live and work. The work County government does is unique. Dakota County offers important careers – the kind of careers that make a difference in people's lives.

Dakota County welcomes and is inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and perspectives. The County aims to reflect the community and people it serves and fosters an equitable and respectful working environment where everyone is empowered to be their authentic selves.

This Community Living Specialist (Social Worker) role performs functions related to eligibility, assessments and/or case management for individuals who have a disability, and those at risk for placement in a nursing/hospital/intermediate care facility, and receive home and community based services.

This specific position receives calls from individuals/families/professionals seeking home/community based long term supports (e.g. PCA services, waivers, and county formal/informal supports). Intake staff is responsible for scheduling MnCHOICES assessments, connecting individuals to financial services and providing information and referrals. CLS Intake staff respond to over 1500 calls/month and initiate/assign/schedule MnCHOICES assessments for over 220 assessments/month. Preferred applicants will have solid understanding of DHS' home and community based services; knowledge of Medical Assistance programs and disability certifications; strong listening and verbal communication skills; committed to working with Division and community partners to accomplish effective/efficient customer service.

Minimum Qualifications

Duties & Responsibilities

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

1. Effectively engages individuals/families to assess needs and strengths, determines eligibility for services, and evaluates level of safety and/or risk.
2. Identifies additional supports/services which may benefit persons being served, provides information and/or referrals to other Community Services departments or community agencies, and collaborates effectively with all stakeholders..
3. Responds effectively in crises situations and refer callers to crisis services.
4. Attends regular and periodic meetings and trainings consistent with the role and participates on work teams as requested.
5. Uses active listening skills and informational interviewing to determine next steps for receiving services, assessments and financial eligibility tasks.
6.Accesses tools such as SSIS, MMIS, MAXIS and OnBase to gather information for the certified assessor and CRS/EEA.
7. Collaborates with team members, certified assessors, supervisors and financial workers to determine next steps and approaches.
8. Other duties as assigned such as supporting community emergency response functions per county emergency response plan.
9. Demonstrates a commitment to support cultural diversity County wide, actively supports the County's inclusion, diversity and equity initiatives, and works to address the needs of diverse and underserved communities.
10. Work with team members and supervisor to develop best practice guidelines and adapt processes in a frequently changing field.

Essential Functions: 1-10

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment

• Knowledge of human development, cultural influences, family dynamics/systems and counseling/education concepts.
• Knowledge of complex service systems ranging from health care delivery system, medical insurance, disability status, and home and community based services.
• Knowledge of medical diagnosis and basic medical terminology.
• Knowledge of community resources and funding sources.
• Knowledge of statutes, rules, policies, and professional practices pertaining to specific discipline.
• Able to effectively use, learn and integrate various software applications/programs into practice.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize responsibilities
• Ability to gather information and solve problems effectively.
• Ability to engage with, listen to, and interact with persons (being served and co-workers) effectively.
• Demonstrates an understanding of and respect for the diversity of customers, co-workers, and supervisors, including individuals with a disability or whose first language may be other than English.