In order to be consider for this job, you must take and pass an examination within MN Merit, which is offered online. Click to apply, Link to MN Merit System application center.Job Summary

Provide direct case management services to individuals and families in the areas of adult and child protection, mental health, chemical health, developmental disability, foster care licensing, brain injury, and elderly services. Case management services include assessment of need, care planning and implementation, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, authorization of client service agreements, community referrals, supportive services and service coordination.

Supervision Received

Employees working in this job class work under general supervision and usually receive some instruction with respect to details of most assignments, but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods, and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and are only subject to periodic supervisory checks.

Supervision Exercised

No formal supervisory authority.

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, advocate for client needs, and provides ongoing evaluations of progress. Includes authorizing and monitoring client service agreements.
2. Conducts investigations of maltreatment for children and adults, conduct forensic interviews, develops plans for the safety of these populations, and responds to crises after normal business hours if necessary.
3. Conducts various valid and reliable assessments to determine the appropriate level of care, funding mechanisms, placements needs and/or service options in the areas of adult and child protection, mental health, chemical health, developmental disability, foster care licensing, brain injury, and elderly services.
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 respond to situations that may be volatile or harmful. Provides counseling and crisis intervention services. Transports clients who may be hostile or uncooperative.
5. Monitors and provides feedback of services provided to clients by outside professionals and para professionals, including adult and child foster care providers, home care providers and community support providers.
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, and monitors compliance of civil commitment and CHIPS orders. Maintains case records and documentation so they are in state/federal audit-ready condition.
7. Appointment as legal guardians or custodians for specific clients and in those roles, accepts responsibility for making decisions regarding living arrangements, education, employment and medical needs. May act as representative payee or authorized representative with legal authority to manage and direct the use of clients' personal funds.
8. Attends required training to ensure competency in current practice standards in child protection, adult protection, adult and children’s mental health, chemical dependency services, disability services, MN Choices and licensing.
9. Participates in the development, planning, reassessing, implementation and evaluation of an emergency preparedness plan for the County. May be required to report for specialized assigned duties or perform emergency response roles.
10. As assigned represents the department on various advisory committees and state or local work groups pertaining to job specific topics. This may include statewide MN Choice Mentor Meetings, presentations and/or training for other departments, the community and/or key stakeholders.
11. Performs other related duties as assigned or apparent, including duties for emergency response roles which may be after hours or in unsafe situations/environments. .

Minimum Qualifications

Must be eligible for appointment by the MN Merit System.

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.
3. State and Federal laws and rules relating to the protection of vulnerable consumers, licensing, and case management.
4. Court procedures including due process of law, rules of evidence and testimony.
5. Principles and techniques of interviewing and documentation in social work and the ability to apply them.
6. Computer systems and electronic record keeping.
7. Cultural differences related to intervention and treatment provided to individuals and families
8. Data Privacy Rights and HIPAA requirements.
9. Community, State, and Federal resources and referral process to access resources.
10. Third party payer system.

Skill in:

1. Maintaining professionalism while demonstrating effective Interpersonal skills as applied to interactions with coworkers, supervisors, and the general public.
2. Typing skill sufficient to complete 30 net words per minute without errors.
3. Skill in reading, writing, and speaking English proficiently.
4. Skill in organizing and prioritizing work.
5. Interviewing clients and collaterals.
6. Analytical and deductive reasoning.
7. Advocacy on behalf of clients.
8. Assessment and coordination of client needs/services including collaboration with service providers.
9. Reacting to situations within the field and being able to maintain personal safety.
10. Technology skills sufficient to operate computers, copiers, cameras and recording equipment.

Ability to:

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. Testify in court.
4. Motivate thedisadvantaged population in the community.
5. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, relatives, the Courts, local law enforcement, schools, community based providers, and the public to enhance safety, efficiency and knowledge base.
6. Remain objective and make sound decisions while analyzing complex situations and evaluating potential for improvement.
7. Manage time productively, meet deadlines and comply with state and federal law to enhance improved outcomes for individuals and families.
8. De-escalate hostile situations to enhance safety of clients and staff.
9. Effectively apply casework knowledge, and skills which may include respectfully confronting issues in families and with individuals to promote personal growth and mastery of skills necessary for consumer safety, independence and a higher level of functioning.
10. Work independently, and make critical decisions with limited direction that maybe vital to the health and safety of individuals served.
11. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse populations.
12. Adjust to ongoing state and federal requirement changes and assure protocols, practices, timelines, and documentation meet required standards.
13. Reduce complex operations and processes to their simplest terms to provide step by step directions on how to accomplish the larger goal.

Language Skills

Very High Skills – Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or governing boards. Ability to write reports and correspondence for the Court.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Skills

Very High Skills - Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of complex instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Example for consultant (this is not part of the final job description). In 2015, the Governor’s Task Force on Child Protection provided a list of 93 recommendations. Per the Governor’s Task Force on Child Protection, the screening function for reports of child maltreatment is one that requires the practitioner to have high level knowledge and skill competencies. The screening decision is a very important child safety decision The screening of alleged child maltreatment reports involves the crucial task of systematically gathering and critically thinking through the facts of a report. There is recognition that this fact-gathering cannot and should not occur in isolation. Decisions made that involve the best practice thinking and judgment of a variety of professionals and cross-disciplines serves to improve the overall quality and consistency of decision making. It also increases transparency and accountability to the citizens of Minnesota.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should be proficient at using the following software.

County Payroll Software E-time, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Adobe, SSIS, MMIS, MN Choices, RMS, Revation, and Internet.

Ability to Travel

Frequent travel is required to family residences, facilities, jails, foster homes, hospitals, American Indian Reservations, Minnesota Security Hospital, Minnesota Sex Offender Program, and Department of Human Service locations throughout the State of MN for meetings, trainings, staffing, court hearings and assessments/investigations.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should consistently demonstrate the following competencies (definitions attached or available upon request):

Ethics, attendance/punctuality, safety and security, dependability, analytical, design, problem solving, project management, technical skills, customer service, interpersonal skills, oral communication, written communication, teamwork, change management, leadership, quality management, business acumen, cost consciousness, diversity, organizational support, judgment, motivation, planning/organizing, professionalism, quality, quantity, adaptability, initiative, innovation, flexibility, and crisis management.

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

While traveling and making home visits, may be exposed to a variety of situations including unclean houses, potential for walking into drug lab sites, unstable structures, snowy/icy roads, rotting garbage, insect infestations, dangerous dogs, sewage, disease, volatile/unstable clients, and remote locations , cigarette and/or smoky areas, mold, and clients under the influence of mood altering substances.

Susceptible to worker burn-out and compassion fatigue.

Equipment and Tools

Computer, copier, fax, telephone, printer, 10-key calculator, camera, USB flash drives, router, signature pad, air card, county-owned vehicles, and personal vehicle (requires proof of insurance on file).

Physical Activities/Requirements

Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, use of fingers, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Must have the ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee performs medium work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Working safely is a condition of employment. Aitkin County is a drug-free workplace.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Aitkin County reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee.

Reasonable Accommodation Notice

The County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Board adopted 3/28/2017

Job Summary