Social Worker (Hiring List for Future Vacancies)

This is a hiring list.  There is currently no vacancy.  The hiring list will be used to fill future vacancies as they occur. 

Job Summary
To assist individuals and families in the areas of adult and child protection, mental health, chemical health, developmental disability, foster care licensing, TBI, elderly services by providing direct services, community referrals, case mgmt, supportive services and service coordination, including assessment of need, care planning/implementation, budget authorization and quality assurance.

Must be eligible for appointment by the MN Merit System. Link to MN Merit System application center.

 

Essential Functions
This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other essential and nonessential functions as assigned or apparent to meet the ongoing needs of the department and organization. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential requirements of this position.
 

1. Assess client's needs, develops treatment plans, coordinates with other agencies and professionals, and provides ongoing evaluations of progress.
2. Conducts investigations of maltreatment for children and adults, develops plans for the safety of these populations, and responds to crises after normal business hours if necessary.
3. Provides counseling and crisis intervention to families and individuals, in and out of the office.
4. Conducts direct service duties in residents' homes or community settings in which the conditions may be hostile and/or unsanitary, using critical thinking skills to responds to situations that may be volatile or harmful.Transports clients who may be hostile or uncooperative.
5. Maintains case records and documentation so they are in state/federal audit-ready condition.
6. Advises the Court through written reports and expert testimony on the matters of protection, custody, adoption, guardianship, pre-petition screenings, civil commitment and visitation.
7. Monitors the spending of significant county, state and federal program dollars to ensure the prudent and most efficient use of those funding streams.
8. Monitors the provision of services by professionals and para professionals, including adult and child foster care providers, home care providers and community support providers.
9. Appointment as legal guardians or custodians for specific clients, adults and children, and in those roles, accepts responsibility for making decisions regarding living arrangements, education, employment and medical needs.
10. Acts as representative payee or authorized representative with legal authority to manage and direct the use of clients' personal funds.
11. Ensures the confidentiality of client records.
12. Conducts training to the community, specialized service providers and special groups regarding social service programs.
13. Presents information and training to ensure competency in current practice standard and job skills.
14. Attends training and meetings as needed.
15. Performs other related duties as assigned or apparent.

Minimum Qualifications  
Must be eligible for appointment by the MN Merit System.
 
Requires a Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in social work, psychology, sociology or closely related field.
 
Must obtain pertinent CEU's required for assigned position.
 
Valid Minnesota driver's license required. Employment reference checks and a criminal background check will be performed as part of the pre-employment process.
 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required
 
Knowledge of:

1. County and departmental policies, procedures, and practices.
2. Current principles and practices of social work case management as they apply to the treatment of human behavior problems/disabilities..
3. Causative factors leading to social maladjustment.
4. Socio-economic factors which promote stable family life and an understanding of the elements which affect family security.
5. State and Federal laws and rules relating to relating to the protection of vulnerable consumers
6. Court procedures including due process of law, rules of evidence and testimony.
7. Requirements of permanency and or reunification as it apply to the consumers being served.
8. Case planning.
9. Principles and techniques of interviewing and recording in social work and the ability to apply them.
10. Dynamics of physical and mental illness, chemical dependency and domestic violence and their effects of functioning within social systems.
11. Family systems and community organization and the availability and utilization of appropriate local resources and services..
12. Computer systems and electronic record keeping.
13. Knowledge of, and sensitivity to cultural differences and laws. i.e. Tribal laws.
14. Vocational and Avocational skills eligibility criteria for services funded by waiver programs, public assistance programs and associated health plans.
15. Guardianship/Conservatorship duties and responsibilities.
16. Diagnostic testing modalities.
17. Data Privacy Rights and HIPPA requirements.

1. Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
2. Typing skill sufficient to complete 30 net words per minute without errors.

1. Skill in reading, writing, and speaking English proficiently.
2. Skill in organizing and prioritizing work.
3. Detecting non-verbal communication.
4. Interviewing clients and collaterals.
5. De-escalation of angry individuals and hostile situations.
6. Self defense techniques.
7. Analytical and deductive reasoning.
8. Advocacy on behalf of clients.
9. Assessment and coordination of client needs/services.
10. Collaboration with service providers.
11. Maintaining professionalism in a variety of situations.
12. Negotiating with service providers.
13. Quick-thinking and reactions to situations in the field.
14. Technology skills sufficient to operate computers, copiers, cameras and recording equipment

1. Present a positive attitude in the workplace, promote a spirit of teamwork and cooperation, and be able to treat co-workers, supervisor, and subordinates with respect, honesty, and consideration.
2. Maintain confidentiality.
3. Communicate with diverse populations in order to advocate effectively on their behalf.
4. Testify in court under hostile cross examination.
5. Motivate the most disadvantaged segment of the community.
6. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with clients, relatives, the Courts, local law enforcement, schools and the public to enhance safety, efficiency and knowledge base.
7. Analyze complex situations and evaluate potential for improvement.
8. Manage time productively, meet deadlines and comply with state and federal law to enhance improved outcomes..
9. Effectively apply casework knowledge and skills to maximize the client's benefit.
10. Work creatively within an agency in the community setting and in effectively utilizing appropriate community resources and services toward self sufficiency.
11. De-escalate hostile situations to enhance safety of clients and staff.
12. Productively and respectfully confront issues in families and individuals to promote personal growth and mastery of skills necessary for consumer safety, independence and a higher level of functioning.
13. Effectively access, navigate and manage complex computer data systems
14. Ability to drive a vehicle, and navigate through urban and rural areas, often in inclement weather, for the purpose of transporting clients, home visiting and providing assessments and services.
15. Work independently, and make critical decisions in the field with limited direction.
16. Travel and work in excess of standard hours when necessary.