Community Living Specialist (SW) - Assessor

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/annuallyÂ

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 1/23/2024

Currently, there are two vacancies available for this position.

Come and join over 2,000 skilled individuals whose talents and contributions make Dakota County a premier place to live and work. The work that county government does is unique, and Dakota County offers important careers - the kind of careers that make a difference in people's lives. Â

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

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This position is for a MnCHOICES Certified Assessor who will perform functions related to eligibility for Individuals with disabilities and/or with Developmental Disabilities and/or aging, using the MnCHOICES tool. Work can be assigned for both initial assessment and reassessment.

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The primary population that this position will work with is individuals with developmental disabilities seeking initital eligibility for Home and Community Based (HCBS) programs. Experience working with this population is preferred; QDDP (Qualified Developmental Disabilities Professional) qualification is preferred. Find the definition of QDDPÂ here. Search CBSM-Glossary and then the letter Q.

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This position will also work with individuals who are under 65 years of age with emotional, behavioral, and physical disability needs.

NEED TO HAVE

• Bachelor's degree in one of following fields: Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Human Services, Special Education, or a related Human Services field;
  
  

AND

• One year full-time professional experience OR two years full-time para-professional experience in a human service agency;
  
  

AND

• Required license(s): Valid Driver's license.
  
  

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NICE TO HAVE

• Master's degree and/or experience in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Special Education, or a related field.
• Prior professional experience in home or community based settings.
• Â Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities;Â QDDP (Qualified Developmental Disabilities Professional) qualification is preferred. Â Find the definition of QDDPÂ here. Â Search CBSM-Glossary and then the letter Q.Â
  
  

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.

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• Effectively engages individuals/families to assess needs, strengths, and family dynamics, to evaluate level of safety and/or risk.
• Performs in home assessments with individuals with disabilities or functional limitations, initially and/or within scope of eligibility determination.
• Identifies Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) and 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.
• Develops and implements an individual community support and service plan per relevant policies, procedures, statutes, and professional practice using person-centered planning.
• Completes federal, state, and agency required documentation for all persons assessed, and upon transfer/closure of services.
• Assesses and monitors persons being served for progress toward goals through required contacts, service plan adjustments and coordination of services with various service providers.
• Responds effectively in crises situations. Provides coordination of crisis management, develops and implements a safety plan for persons served to maximize safety and minimize community risk.
• Engages and collaborates with medical/behavioral health providers law enforcement, court, child and adult protection.
• Attends regular and periodic meetings and trainings consistent with the role and participates on work teams as requested.
• Other duties as assigned such as supporting community emergency response functions per county emergency response plan.
• 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.
  
  

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 Essential Functions: 1-11

• Knowledge of human development, mental health and co-morbidity, cultural influences, family dynamics/systems and counseling/education concepts.
• Knowledge of complex service systems ranging from health care delivery system, medical insurance, and home and community based services.
• Knowledge of medical diagnosis, medications, 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, including tracking status on assigned cases and adhere to required timelines and action items
• Ability to gather information and solve problems effectively.
• Ability to engage with, listen to, and interact with persons (being served and co-workers) effectively.
• Effectively collaborate with other departments and agencies to support individuals through the eligibility determination process  Â
• 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.
  
  

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WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in a county office building, on visits to client's homes, and employee's home. Travel is required. Lifting requirement of up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis. Exposure to hazardous physical conditions such as environmental conditions of unsanitary homes and property, unsafe neighborhoods, challenging and potentially violent and unpredictable clients and family members, pets, and animals; exposure to hazardous physical conditions such as mechanical parts, electrical currents and vibration; atmospheric conditions such as fumes, odors, dusts, gases and poor ventilation; hazardous materials such as chemicals, blood, and other body fluids; inadequate lighting; work space restricting movement; and intense noise may occur on visits to client's homes.

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SELECTION PROCESS: The examination/selection process for this classification will consist of a rating of your training and experience from the application materials submitted. The top scoring candidates will be forwarded to the hiring department for further consideration.

Qualified candidates must pass a criminal history background check and may be required to pass a pre-employment drug test.

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 Dakota County Employee Relations

 www.co.dakota.mn.us

 Main Number 651.438.4435 (contact 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday)

 Fax 651.438.8178