Social Worker - Family Assessment, Child Protection

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 Western Service Center in Apple Valley
UNION: AFSCME
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on 1/28/2025

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 clients it serves and fosters an equitable and respectful working environment where everyone is empowered to be their authentic selves.

Family Assessment Social Workers are responsible for the assessment of child maltreatment reports.

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or Human Services related
AND
One year full-time professional experience in a social services agency OR Two years full-time paraprofessional experience in a social services/human services agency.
AND
Valid Driver's License

PREFERRED EDUCATION BEYOND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or Human Services

*Pursuant to Dakota County Policy, this position is designated as Safety Sensitive. "Safety-sensitive position" means a position, including any supervisory or management position, in which impairment caused by drug, alcohol, or cannabis use would threaten the health and safety of any person as defined in Minnesota Statutes Section 181.950, subdivision 13.

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.

GENERAL SOCIAL WORKER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assess individual strengths, needs, and family dynamics.
2. Work with children and families in a variety of situations, including special education, truancy, runaways, chemical dependency, abuse, neglect, and general family conflicts.
3. Refer clients to community providers for services.
4. Monitor and verify services received by individuals and families, and develop reports and resources as needed.
5. Complete administrative tasks involving case plans and other legally mandated or best practice based procedures.
6. Establish positive relationships with parents and children and work collaboratively with community agencies.
7. Other duties as related or assigned.

1. Assess the risk and safety factors of families reported for child maltreatment.
2. Engage and establish a cooperative working relationship with the family to construct a plan to address and reduce or eliminate those factors during the 45 day assessment period.
3. Provide case management services for 4-6 months.
4. Establish, develop and maintain complete client records and documentation in keeping with departmental, state and legal standards.

* Knowledge of human development, family dynamics and systems, including crisis management and cultural competency.
* Knowledge of child protection guidelines and statues.
* Knowledge of community resources and funding sources.
* Knowledge of medical diagnoses, medications and basic medical terminology, as well as medical insurance processes and procedures.
* Knowledge of statues, rules and policies pertaining to social work and the ability to research the same.
* Comprehensive knowledge of computer software and information systems.
* Interviewing, negotiation and listening skills.
* Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in a County office building and on client home visits. Some travel is required. Lifting requirement of up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis. 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. Equipment used may include, but is not limited to, computer, printer, telephone, calculator, 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 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