Hourly wage for this position is $25.15-$37.73 depending on experience.

Position will be posted until filled.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this classification. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Position Duties

• Interview prospective clients at intake.
• Perform home visits to determine needs of individuals and families for services.
• Provide ongoing services to children and families who have been determined in need of protective services.
• Conduct child protection assessments/investigations.
• Counsel families and individuals
• Cooperate with local law enforcement and correction agencies in child abuse and neglect cases.
• Interpret child protective services and child welfare laws pertaining to dependency and neglect.
• Provide case management services for children in out-of-home placements.
• Prepare social histories.
• Maintain case records which meet federal, state and local guidelines.
• Make child care institutional and foster home placements.
• Provide preventative services to the dependent and neglected child.
• Consult with psychiatrists, psychologists and attorneys in connection with case objectives.
• Prepare information and recommendations in connection with court cases and proceedings.
• Testify in court proceedings.
• Interpret and implement judicial findings and court orders.
• Undertake intensive long or short- term treatment plans in areas such as family management, childcare and development.
• Provide public information on social service programs to the community and special groups.
• Provide supervision with input for the design of new programs and services.

Non-Essential Functions

• Attend weekly unit meetings and monthly staff meetings.
• Perform job related duties as assigned or apparent.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Knowledge of individual and group behavior.
• Knowledge of current principles and practices of social work case management as they apply to the
• treatment of major behavior problems.
• Knowledge of the causative factors leading to social maladjustment.
• Knowledge of the social-economic factors, which promote stable family life and an understanding of the elements, which affect family security.
• Knowledge of the child welfare laws relating to dependency, neglect and delinquency.
• Knowledge of the principles of family and marital counseling.
• Knowledge of the techniques of child placement with emphasis on the complete participation of the
• parent or guardian.
• Knowledge and skills of technical social work, casework and community resources.
• Knowledge and skills of child development, family systems, the dynamics of abuse and issues of separation.
• Knowledge and skills of legal procedures, court system, mental health and medical practices.
• Knowledge of Department of Human Services (DHS) rules and regulations.
• Ability to plan, assesses, and make decisions under pressure.
• Ability to tolerate high levels of stress.
• Ability to make independent judgments with minimal consultation.
• Ability to communicate with and understand the problems faced by families from all cultural and economic levels.
• Ability to work with a wide variety of families and cultures.
• Time management skills.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Social Work or Human Services-related field plus one year of professional work experience required or;
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job.

Required Certifications/Licenses

• Valid driver’s license and ability to maintain such license and proof of insurance.

Relationships

• Families needing protective services or requesting child welfare services to determine safety of children, risks of abuse or neglect, and strengths and needs.
• County Attorney, court personnel, and probation to initiate voluntary placements, provide case information, testify, and recommend case disposition.

Working Conditions

• Work is mainly performed in client’s homes and agency.
• Frequent travel may involve exposure to inclement weather conditions, unsanitary conditions in homes and unsafe environments.
• Direct service provision may require dealing with persons who are hostile, aggressive, abusive or threatening.

Physical Requirements Of This Position

• Desk work involving use of a computer, telephone, and other devices.
• Communicate effectively with County staff, families needing protective services, County Attorney, court personnel, and probation.
• Ability to read screens and documents.
• Ability to drive in various light and weather conditions.
• Ability to type and use a computer or mobile device.
• Office work may include reaching for documents, grasping documents, standing, walking, and repetitive motions.
• Lift and carry files and material weighing up to 25 pounds.

Equipment Required to Perform This Job

• Computers
• Telephones
• Mobile devices
• Motor vehicles

Additional Notes

• All positions in McLeod County are subject to a background check. This may include, but not limited to the following checks: criminal history, credit, driver’s license, pre-employment physical, pre-employment drug and alcohol screening, pre-employment psychological testing.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)