Social Worker - Adult Services Housing

POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive
DEPARTMENT: Social Services
HOURS: Full-time
PREFERRED SALARY RANGE: $70,518 - $79,333/annually (Salary Grade 108)
FULL SALARY RANGE: $70,518 - $110,185/annually
LOCATION: Hybrid; telework, fieldwork and in-person at the Northern Service Center, West St. Paul
UNION: AFSCME
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on 2/5/2025

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.

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.

This fast-paced, demanding, and rewarding position joins a dynamic team focused on preventing and ending homelessness in Dakota County. These positions will be part of the Housing Assistance Programs unit. The social workers will work with households participating in programs that provide rent assistance and case management to people exiting homelessness. This includes a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Continuum of Care Rapid Re-Housing program for families and the Family Voucher Program, a local rental assistance program. These programs are a scattered-site, low barrier, housing programs which quickly and successfully connect individuals and families experiencing homelessness to permanent housing without preconditions and barriers to entry. The programs focus on the core components of rapid re-housing: housing identification, rent and move-in financial assistance, and support services. These programs are designed to help individuals and families quickly exit homelessness, return to housing in the community, and eventually sustain housing independently.

NEED TO HAVE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or related Human Services field

• One year full-time professional experience in a social services agency OR Two years full-time para-professional experience in a social services agency.

• Valid Driver's License

• Experience providing housing search services (navigating the rental market and locating vacant units)
• Experience providing housing stability services
• Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or related Human Services field

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. Demonstrates a commitment to support cultural diversity County-wide, actively supports the County's diversity initiatives, and works to address the needs of diverse and underrepresented communities.
2. Partners with client households experiencing homelessness to conduct intensive housing searches and assist them in securing housing.
3. Interviews and assesses client households to evaluate needs, strengths, and barriers to securing and maintaining stable housing.
4. Completes standardized assessment of client needs.
5. Determines what services are needed and options for accessing those services.
6. Develops and implements a plan with each client household defining initial and ongoing measurable goals and objectives.
7. Provides, arranges, and coordinates direct services for client households experiencing multiple challenges in daily life.
8. Facilitates, integrates, and mobilizes agency and community resources on behalf of client households.
9. Monitors, documents, and evaluates client progress toward goals and objectives.
10. Provides direct service or obtain services to maximize client independence.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Duties 1-10 are essential functions.

* Knowledge of child and human development, family dynamics and systems, including crisis management and cultural competency.
* Knowledge of community resources and funding sources.
* 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.
* Ability to assess safety and risk factors and make independent decisions.
* Knowledge of statutes, rules, and policies pertaining to social work and core job functions
* Interviewing, negotiation, and listening skills.
* Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in a County office building, remote work, and on client home visits. Some travel is required. Lifting requirement of up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis. Exposure to inadequate lighting or housing conditions may occur on client home visits. Equipment used may include, but is not limited to, computer, printer, telephone, cell phone, pager, audio/visual equipment, and copy and fax machines.

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.

Dakota County Human Resources
www.co.dakota.mn.us
Main Number 651.438.4435 (contact 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday)