Community Living Specialist (Public Health Nurse)- Older Adults

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, West St. Paul
UNION: MNA
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 pm on 2/3/2025

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

This Community Living Specialist (Public Health Nurse) role performs functions related to eligibility, assessments, and/or case management for older adults, people who have a disability, and those at risk for placement in a nursing/hospital/intermediate care facility, who are requesting or receiving home and community based services.

At Dakota County, Public Health Nurses work 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday- no weekends! We offer flexibility with your time off requests, reimbursement for mileage traveled for work, free continuing education, and free parking!

This position is for a MnCHOICES Certified Assessor. This individual will perform functions related to eligibility for older adults, individuals with disabilities and/or people with developmental disabilities using the MnCHOICES tool/processes. This position will work across initial assessment and annual reassessment.

This specific position will work primarily with the following population:

Older Adults: Individuals age 65 and over who are requesting services through the Essential Community Supports (ECS) and Alternative Care (AC) programs, and through the Elderly Waiver (EW) to support independent community living or assistance for funding assisted living services.

NEED TO HAVE:
* Bachelor's degree in Nursing;
AND
* One year full-time professional experience or two years full-time para-professional experience in field of study;
AND
* Current licensure as a Registered Nurse in Minnesota;
* Registration as a Public Health Nurse in Minnesota or ability to obtain before start date;
* Required license(s): Valid Driver's license.

NICE TO HAVE:
* Master's degree and/or experience in Nursing, Psychology, Sociology or related field.
* Prior professional experience in home or community based settings.

*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.
1. Effectively engages individuals/families to assess needs and strengths, determines eligibility for services, and evaluates level of safety and/or risk.
2. Performs face-to-face assessments, virtually or in-person, of persons with disabilities or functional limitations, initially and/or within scope of ongoing case management, to determine eligibility for various home and community-based services (HCBS).
3. 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.
4. Constructs and implements an individual service plan per relevant policies, procedures, statutes, and professional practice using person-centered planning.
5. Completes federal, state, and agency required documentation for all persons assessed, receiving ongoing case management, and upon closure of services.
6. Assesses and monitors persons being served for progress toward goals through required contacts, service plan adjustments and coordination of services with various service providers.
7. Responds effectively in crises situations. Develops and implements a safety plan for persons served to maximize safety and minimize community risk.
8. Attends regular and periodic meetings and trainings consistent with the role and participates on work teams as requested.
9. Other duties as assigned such as supporting community emergency response functions per county emergency response plan.
10. 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.

Essential Functions: 1-10

* 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, 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
* 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.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in a County office building, remote office environment, and on visits to individuals' homes. 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.

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.

Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware working environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

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