Position Details

Under general direction, performs work of considerable difficulty in providing intensive social work services for the protection, rehabilitation, and care of children; performs highly critical social work assignments in voluntary and non-voluntary child protective service cases; and performs related work as assigned.

Provide child protection assessments/ CW/ PSOP assessments

• Interviews prospective clients at intake.
• Makes home visits to determine needs of individuals and families for services.
• Meets with the children in the family within 24 hours or 120 hours as required by statute.
• Gathers information needed to assess immediate safety, complete safety plans and complete Structured Decision-Making Tools regarding strengths, needs and risk of future harm within 45 days of assignment.
• Counsels families and individuals.
• Cooperates with local law enforcement and correction agencies in child abuse and neglect cases.
• Investigates complaints of abuse and neglect.
• Interprets child protective services and child welfare laws pertaining to dependency and neglect.

Provides child protection targeted case management and CW/ PSOP case management

• Prepares social histories.
• Maintains case records which meet federal, state, and local guidelines.
• Makes a minimum of monthly visits with children identified to be at risk or in placement.
• Makes childcare institutional and foster home placements.
• Provides preventative services to the dependent and neglected child.
• Consults with psychiatrists, psychologists, and attorneys in connection with case objectives and other professionals.
• Prepares information and recommendations in connection with court cases, petitions, and proceedings.
• Testifies in court proceedings.
• Interprets and implements judicial findings and court orders.
• Transports children and clients to services and supports.
• Attends medical appointments and educational meetings for clients.
• Undertakes intensive long or short- term treatment plans in areas such as family management, marital counseling, childcare and development.
• Conducts group sessions with clients.
• Provides drug testing for clients and maintaining drug testing supplies.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Attends and participates in unit training.
• Attends training/workshops outside agency as applicable/available.
• Completes DHS web-based training when appropriate.
• Participates in annual individual evaluations.
• Answers co-worker questions: consults with co-workers when needed.
• Reads routed material in a timely manner.
• Researches manual materials; on-line materials.
• Seeks help from DHS and as needed.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings.
• Attends agency meetings.
• Attends Board meetings when requested.
• Assists in completing agency reports.
• Participates in agency reorganization (files, procedures, etc.) as requested.
• Participates in community public relations efforts when requested.
• Completes Random Moment form.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

While these are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and employees will be called upon to perform a variety of duties as part of their role with the County.

Position Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of individual and group behavior.
• Knowledge of current principles and practices of social work case management as they apply to the treatment of major behavior problems.
• Knowledge of the causative factors leading to social maladjustment.
• Knowledge of the social-economic factors, which promote stable family life and an understanding of the elements, which affect family security.
• Knowledge of the child welfare laws relating to dependency, neglect, and delinquency.
• Knowledge of the court procedures: due process of law and rules of evidence.
• Knowledge of the principles of family and marital counseling.
• Knowledge of techniques of child placement with emphasis on the complete participation of the parent/guardian.
• Knowledge of the utilization of appropriate resources and services.
• Ability to communicate with and understand the problems faced by families from all cultural and economic levels.
• Ability to work with and motivate the most disadvantaged segment of the community.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with clients, relatives, the courts, local law enforcement agencies and the public.
• Ability to analyze complex situations and evaluate potential for improvement.
• Ability to manage time productively.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work under limited supervision with general autonomy in determining how objectives are achieved; supervisors generally set operating benchmarks, goals, and objectives.
• Ability to apply procedures, policies and/or precedents requiring analytical ability in adapting standard methods to fit facts and conditions using generally proscribed procedures.
• Ability to maintain effective communication and working relationships with numerous outside and inside contacts to achieve work objectives.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited university/college with a major in Social Work or other approved social services degree approved.
• Education and experience/background as required by Rule 79 or MN Rules 9520.0900 to 9520.0926.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid MN driver’s license required.

Equipment and Tools

• Office equipment and technology
• Computers and software
• Automobile

Physical and Mental Requirements

This position requires light physical duties often associated with office positions. Employee must be physically able to perform the essential job functions of this position including the ability to sit, stand, reach by extending arms, occasionally lift and/or move twenty pounds unassisted, have unrestricted use of the upper body, be able to stoop, kneel or crouch, have corrected or uncorrected hearing and vision within normal ranges, and a clear speaking voice. Noise levels within the workplace are described as moderate. Reasonable accommodations may, at times, be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

The physical demands described here are representative to those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an offices, client and foster homes, or other in-door environments, and occasionally outdoors, as well as in vehicles. May be some exposure to hostile or uncooperative persons.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative to those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Competencies Common to All County Positions

• Develop, maintain a thorough working knowledge of, and comply with all departmental and applicable County policies and procedures.
• Demonstration by personal example the spirit of service, excellence, and integrity expected from all staff.
• Develop respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, including willing assistance to newer staff so job responsibilities can be performed with confidence as quickly as possible.
• Confer regularly with and keep immediate supervisor informed of all important matters which pertain to the applicable job functions and responsibilities.
• Represent Wadena County in a professional manner to the public, outside contacts and constituencies.​​​​​​​

Wadena County is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer. 

Salary : $29 - $40