Child Protection Worker

Position Summary

The current vacancy is in the Children and Family Services Division of the Social Services Department. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department or County.

To investigate, assess and provide intervention and treatment services in order to protect children from child abuse, neglect and exploitation; to prepare and implement case management plans for the treatment of child abuse, the protection of victims; to participate in legal actions arising from child abuse case activities; and perform related duties as assigned. (This is the entry level in this class series, but prior social work experience is required. Work assignments provide the opportunity to refine the knowledge and skills developed through prior experience and education in order to function effectively at the full performance level.)

Flexible Workplace

This position is identified under the designation of ‘flex work eligible’, meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county’s flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County’s Flexible Workplace policy, go to: Flexible Workplace policy(Download PDF reader).

To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to:Job Descriptions. Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.

Examples of Work Performed

• Investigate reports of child abuse (including physical or sexual abuse, neglect and exploitation) within legal limits by interviewing and taking formal statements from family members and other involved persons, and by interviewing children in accordance with approved child interviewing methods in order to refute or substantiate reports, determine whether children are in immediate danger of abuse and to document information needed for court proceedings and protection planning.
• Initiate necessary child protection actions, such as petitioning for court orders to remove children or parents from the home, arranging for in-home services or contacting police in order to provide immediate protection for children.
• Assess individual and family ability to respond to treatment by evaluating clients' cognitive skills, motivation to change, and past history of treatment in order to develop reasonable case plans.
• Write and implement protection plan to reduce the risk of further abuse or neglect, maintain the family unit intact and ensure that needed services are used.
• Write and file with court a formal case plan according to required format for any child in placement or involved in court proceedings.
• Identify family needs and make referrals to other agency or community resources such as residential treatment, public health services or parent counseling.
• Gather information (such as social histories, client compliance with previous court orders, and list of possible witnesses) and prepare reports for submission to the County Attorney for use in petitioning for court intervention such as termination of parental rights or provision of protective supervision.
• Testify at legal proceedings, recommend future court reviews and prepare other witnesses to testify.
• Provide crisis intervention by assisting clients to obtain emergency housing, food, clothing, financial assistance or protection.
• Provide individual and family counseling, behavior modification programming and other treatment such as play therapy to improve family functioning, prevent child placement or facilitate family reunification.
• Transport or arrange transportation for clients to medical appointments, court hearings, placements, and other mandated services to assist clients to receive service.
• Monitor clients' progress toward established service goals and compliance with court orders to determine need for continuation of services.
• Arrange for adoption, long-term foster care or independent living situation for children when attempts at family reunification have failed to provide a safe home.
• Physically remove unwilling child from harmful environment to place in safe residence.
• Write social histories and accurate case records (such as service referrals, quarterly evaluation of client progress toward goals, legal actions) according to department requirements.
  
  

(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required.)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 13, 15.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in a social/behavioral science and 12 additional credits eligible for tuition refund or equivalent.

Experience: Six months of experience in child welfare social work or one year general social work experience.

Substitution: Experience as a Ramsey County Human Services Case Aide 3 may substitute for general social work experience on the basis that two years Case Aide experience equals one year of general social work experience. A maximum of two years Ramsey County Human Services Case Aide experience can be substituted for general social work experience.A Master's Degree in Social Work or other related social/behavioral science may substitute for the experience requirement.

Certifications/Licensure: None.

Other: All employees must successfully complete all continuing education requirements for child protection workers as specified by state law.

Exam/Screening Process Information

Training and Experience 100%

The examination for Child Protection Worker will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions - do not mark "see resume" or "see work history" do not cut and paste resume as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.

Eligible List: The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as a Child Protection Worker. The list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for three months or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted, informing them that the list has been posted. The names of all applicants who pass the examination with a score of 45 or higher will be forwarded to the department for further consideration.

Veteran's Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.

Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.

E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance or national origin.

Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives being equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide, will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.

To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application. You will need to print off this posting and also answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them if you complete a paper application.

For further information regarding this posting, please contact Nirvana.Wallace@co.ramsey.mn.us

Ramsey County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health, well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status/contract language. A summary of benefits is provided below. Detailed information is available for review at https://www.ramseycounty.us/employees/employee-open-enrollment-2025-benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• The County contributes a bargained percentage to the medical and dental monthly premium
• Employees choose from four enrollment tiers: Single, Employee legally married spouse, Employee Child(ren), Family
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance – three plan options including a High Deductible Plan with a Health Saving Account offered. Earn up to $20/month in electronic gift cards for each enrolled employee or spouse for wellness activity
• MetLife Dental Insurance – two plan options offered
• VSP Vision Insurance – Advantage Plan offered
  
  

• Pre-tax Benefit Program
• Pre-tax medical, dental, vision monthly premium deduction option
• Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• County monthly contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees who elect the High Deductible medical plan
  
  

• Paid time off
• Vacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 12 to 25 days per year (pro-rated for part-time employees)
• 11 scheduled holidays and two floating holidays
• Up to eight weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional use of sick time as noted below
• Sick hours accrued at a rate of three weeks per year, which can be used for medical and dental care; injury or illness for you, your spouse or children; the birth or adoption of a child (up to 80 hours) or the death of a family member (up to 40 hours)
• Wellness incentive allows conversion of unused sick time to vacation or pay
  
  

• Retirement benefits
• Pension - The county contributes at least 7.5% of your salary to your pension, depending on bargaining unit. Unlike other retirement investments, pension payments are a lifetime benefit once you start collecting payments
• New employees become vested after three years. For the Police and Fire union, employees are vested after 10 years
• Deferred compensation - 457(b) account with employer match
• Health Care Savings Plan - all benefits-eligible employees contribute 1% of gross regular salary to a Health Care Savings Plan account for eligible health care expenses after retirement. Interest accrues tax free. County provides a scheduled contribution after five years of participation
  
  

• Transit and parking
• Fully funded Metropass.
• Transportation/parking expenses reimbursement account
  
  

• Employee well-being
• Employee assistance program, including telephone counseling, financial counseling, rideshare benefits, etc.
• Wellness programming
• Flexible work policy with hybrid work options for eligible positions
  
  

• Life Insurance and Disability leave
• County provided Basic Life coverage - 1x annual salary, minimum $10,000 up to a maximum of $50,000. Optional supplemental coverage available
• Long-term Disability – County provided coverage replaces 40% of the employee’s lost income after six months of disability, subject to a $5,000 monthly maximum. Option to purchase an additional 20% income replacement up to $7,500 monthly maximum
• Short-term Disability – option to purchase 60% income replacement coverage with 30, 60 or 90-day waiting period
  
  

• Career development
• Tuition reimbursement, up to $4,000 per year
• Online professional development opportunities through the Learning & Development Center
• County employment qualifies as a public service organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Employee resource groups – help employees build connections through common bonds with colleagues
  

For information about Ramsey County's 2025 benefits, visit: https://www.ramseycounty.us/employees/employee-open-enrollment-2025-benefits

01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening process. The supplemental questionnaire will be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Provide complete information for each question. Do not write "see resume" as it is not an acceptable answer. The experiences you indicate in your responses will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Select "yes" if you have read and understand.

• Yes
• No
  
  

02

Have you completed or currently participating in any of the following Public Sector Partnership Programs at Ramsey County? Examples may include a program in partnership with HIRED, Project for Pride in Living (PPL), Ramsey County Workforce Solutions, or an internship (including Right Track Plus), fellowship, limited duration assignment, provisional assignment, temporary opportunity or participating in a work experience like the Young Adult Career Academy, or job shadow experience. Answer No, if none of the above.

• Yes
• No
  
  

03

Do you have a bachelor’s degree in a social/behavioral science? PLEASE NOTE THAT YOUR DEGREE MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE DATE OF YOUR APPLICATION.

• Yes
• No
  
  

04

Indicate when and where you obtained your completed degree(s). State the name of the institution and the field of study. If this does not apply, please indicate "N/A."

05

Do you have six months (full-time equivalent) experience in child welfare social work or one year (full-time equivalent) general social work experience?

• Yes
• No
  
  

06

If you answered "Yes" to Question #5, give a brief outline of your child welfare and/or general social work experience. In your response include the employer’s name, your job title, length of time in the job title and job responsibilities. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME" OR COPY AND PASTE YOUR RESUME. If no experience in this area, please indicate "N/A" in this space.

07

The work performed by a Child Protection Worker requires daily interaction and problem solving with children and families from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Which of the following best describes your experience interacting with clients from various ethnic and cultural groups?

• I have had very limited contact with diverse populations.
• I have had informal contact with people from many different cultures through everyday life.
• Experience in a professional or para-professional position where one or more group(s) of a different culture, other than the majority, makes up less than fifty percent of the client population.
• Experience in a professional or para-professional position where one or more group(s) of a different culture, other than the majority, makes up at least fifty percent of the client population.
  
  

08

Please briefly describe your most significant experience that you believe demonstrates your ability to interact with people from various cultural or ethnic backgrounds. If no experience in this area, please indicate "N/A" in this space.

09

If you indicated professional work experience with a culture other than the majority culture, please identify the culture with which you have the most experience. If you responded that you have limited professional experience working with a different culture, select "not relevant".

• Hmong
• Latinx/Latino/Latina
• Native American
• Somali
• Not relevant
  
  

10

Which best describes any experience you have as a Child Protection Social Worker? Experience should include PRIMARY responsibility for responding to allegations of child abuse; investigating allegations; assessing situations and possibility of harm; documenting family dynamics and observing behavior; interviewing children and family members; initiating court action; writing and filing formal case plans; addressing family needs; testifying in court and preparing witnesses; providing counseling; and monitoring and documenting client progress. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE NON-SOCIAL WORK POSITIONS THAT INVOLVE MANDATED REPORTING.

• No experience in this area.
• Six months to one-year full-time experience as a child protection social worker.
• One to three years full-time experience as a child protection social worker.
• Three to six years full-time experience as a child protection social worker.
• More than six years full-time experience as a child protection social worker
  
  

11

Which best describes any experience you have with the American Indian community in relation to the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). Experience should include applying ICWA to child protection work, general social work, or legal advocacy within the American Indian Culture.

• More than three years full-time experience working with the Indian Child Welfare Act.
• One to two years full-time experience working with the Indian Child Welfare Act.
• Less than one-year full-time experience working with the Indian Child Welfare Act.
• No experience in this area.
  
  

12

Give a brief outline of your Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) experience. In your response include the employer’s name, your job title, length of time in the job title and job responsibilities. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME" OR COPY AND PASTE YOUR RESUME. If no experience in this area, please indicate "N/A" in this space.

13

Which best describes any experience you have in areas (other than Child Protection) such as Adult Protection or Child Welfare social work? Experience should include interviewing children and family members to obtain information regarding family dynamics; assessing dynamics and preparing formal case plans; writing formal case plans and monitoring compliance with goals; should include experience making referrals to child protection in suspected abuse/neglect cases; should involve problem solving or crisis response in field (non-office or institutional) settings.

• No experience in this area.
• Less than one-year full-time experience in areas other than Child Protection such as Adult Protection or Child Welfare social work.
• One to two years full-time experience in areas other than Child Protection such as Adult Protection or Child Welfare social work.
• Two to three years full-time experience in areas other than Child Protection such as Adult Protection or Child Welfare social work.
• More than years full-time experience in areas other than Child Protection such as Adult Protection or Child Welfare social work.
  
  

14

Give a brief outline of your Adult Protection or Child Welfare experience. In your response include the employer’s name, your job title, length of time in the job title and job responsibilities. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME" OR COPY AND PASTE YOUR RESUME. If no experience in this area, please indicate "N/A" in this space.

15

What other general experience not listed above do you have as a social worker? Experience should include some of the functions of Social Worker with respect to case management, including interviewing clients to obtain information; monitoring compliance with program requirements; coordinating referral services; writing case notes; progress reports and routine outside correspondence; providing one-to-one or group counseling.

• More than five full-time years of general experience as a social worker.
• Three to four full-time years of general experience as a social worker.
• Two to three full-time years of general experience as a social worker.
• Less than one year of general experience as a social worker.
• No general.
  
  

16

Give a brief outline of your general social work experience. In your response include the employer’s name, your job title, length of time in the job title and job responsibilities. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME" OR COPY AND PASTE YOUR RESUME. If no experience in this area, please indicate "N/A" in this space.

17

Please indicate your knowledge or experience working with the following aspects of case management. CHECK ALL THAT APPLY.

• Social Service Information System (SSIS) experience.
• Supervised Visitation experience.
• Data/Assessment/Plan (DAP) Clinical Case Note Format experience.
  
  

18

Please indicate language (s) in which you are fluent. (Check all that apply). If you answered "No," select "not relevant".

• Hmong
• Spanish
• Somali
• Karen
• Not relevant
  
  

19

Please select all relevant formal training you have completed in relation to child protection practice (select all that apply).

• Trauma-Informed Care
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Case Management in Child Protection
• Risk Assessment and Safety Planning
• Cultural Safety and Cultural Competence
• Ethical Decision-Making in Child Protection
• Working with Families Experiencing Domestic and Family Violence
• Court Report Writing and Giving Evidence
• Worker Safety and Vicarious Trauma
  
  

20

Indicate below the shifts and hours you are willing to accept. CHECK ALL THAT APPLY.

• Day.
• Evening.
• Overnight.
• On-Call.
• Required Question