Social Worker - Child Protection Assessment and Investigations at Olmsted County, MN

About the Department

Expected starting salary is $33.45 to $44.66.  Full salary range is $33.45 to $55.87.

Bachelor's or Master's degree from an accredited college or university.

Regular and reliable attendance is a necessary component of job/position. Individuals required to use County vehicles and equipment must have a valid driver's license and be free of any major traffic violations for the last three (3) years.

Desirable Qualifications:

Two years of social service-related experience.

Position Duties

Under general supervision of a program manager or supervisor, and within State and locally developed programs and policies, responds to concerns from individuals, families and the community regarding the safety and well-being of children.  Child protection intervention may be an investigative forensic approach with a formal finding of maltreatment or a family assessment response that requires no formal finding of maltreatment. Partnership based collaborative social work practice supports family involvement strategies as part of an effort to promote child safety, well-being and permanency. Supports a diverse, respectful, and inclusive workplace.

Minimum Qualifications

• Conducts assessments of risk and needs with children, families and collaterals using a variety of tools and in a variety of settings that include but are not limited to home visits, office and facilities.  
• Works collaboratively with children and families on the development of individualized safety plans and service plans.
• Completes and maintains documentation in compliance with statutory, program and audit requirements. 
• Advise clients of possible resources, rights, and responsibilities under programs or services 
• Refers clients to other programs or agencies when appropriate 
• Actively engages networks of supports for families.  
• Actively participates in growth and development opportunities. 
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Other Qualifications

• Knowledge of the social sciences
• Knowledge of the principles of social work
• Knowledge of community resources
• Knowledge of social and economic problems
• Knowledge of motivating factors of human behavior
• Knowledge of the dynamics of victimization and the root causes of violence, including domestic violence 
• Knowledge of the impacts of domestic violence on children and overall family functioning 
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system, including victim rights
• Knowledge of therapeutic and strength-based approaches
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to victim issues, victim needs
• Knowledge of agency policies
• Knowledge of data practices and confidentiality
• Skilled in verbal communication, public speaking, writing and recording of information and data
• Skill in the use of computers and technology
• Skills in individual and community advocacy
• Ability to understand individual and family needs with empathy and objectivity
• Ability to exercise good judgment in recommending possible solutions for individual and family needs and when utilizing conflict management and advocacy skills
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, co-workers, public officials and citizens of the community
• Ability to organize efficiently and keep records systematically
• Ability to work independently and to recognize when supervision is needed
• Ability to work with diverse populations
• Ability to serve as a liaison to community resources
• Ability to drive an automobile

Persons with disabilities: the above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-essential job duties.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: In compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the Physical and Environmental Demands: