What are the responsibilities and job description for the Social Worker - Child Protective Services position at St. Louis County, MN?
Kind of Work
St. Louis County is hiring a dedicated and compassionate Social Worker for our child protection team. Social Workers are responsible for professional work performing assessments, intervention, case management and person-centered advocacy for our Children & Family Services work unit within the Public Health and Human Services Department.
The salary range reflected above is the normal hiring range for 2026. Below is the full salary range including longevity.
Social Worker $28.81 - $43.40 per hour.
Social Worker (MSW) $31.35 - $47.58 per hour.
This position is part of the Merit Basic Unit Employees Collective Bargaining Agreement Contract represented by Council 5 of AFSCME.
St. Louis County does not participate in E-Verify. All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States, for St. Louis County, on a full-time basis. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
Distinguishing Features of Work
An employee in this class is responsible for providing social work services on cases involving complex social problems and social treatment plans. Duties include performing responsible and difficult casework, directing service programs or providing work direction to paraprofessional staff. Child Protection Services (CPS) Social Workers are assigned social work cases involving voluntary and non-voluntary child protective service cases. The work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.
Work Environment
These work environment factors are general in nature and may vary depending on the specific position being filled. CONSTANT: Near and midrange vision; Grasp/handle; Works with others; works around others; Inside. FREQUENT: Lift-push/pull while stationary up to 20 pounds; Carry-push/pull while moving about up to 20 pounds; Hearing close proximity (0-5 feet); Maintain posture; Reach; Sit; Static neck position; Talk/speak; Customer/public contact; Clients with Behavioral Challenges. OCCASIONAL: Hearing distance up to 20 feet; Balance; Move about; Stand; Taste/Smell; Walk; Works alone; Extended day; Outside and Drive. RARE: Carry-push/pull while moving about up to 50 pounds; Climb stairs; Kneel.
Selection Process
SOCIAL WORKER MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Pass/Fail)
Supplemental Questions will be 100% of the scoring process:
Points will be awarded based on the applicants answers to supplemental questions 9-13.
Experience beyond ten years may be included on the application for purposes of meeting minimum qualifications or informing the hiring authority of your complete employment history.
Please Note: When answering the supplemental questions on the website, the webpage may time out after 30 minutes. It's recommended you draft your answers in a separate document and copy/paste the answers into the application when you're finished writing. Failure to answer and save all of the questions on the "Supplemental Questions" page within 30 minutes may result in the deletion of your answers by the application system.
Tentative Recruitment & Screening Process Schedule
The essential functions for this position are listed under the "ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK" on the specification, available in the Human Resources Department or online at www.stlouiscountymn.gov/jobdescriptions.
Veterans Preference
If you are eligible to apply for Veterans Preference, please attach to your application a copy of document(s) listed for the option that applies to you:
Physical-medical Standards
Qualified applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Applicants selected must meet the physical requirements for the position.
Drug Testing
Applicants selected for appointment must take and pass a drug test.
Background Check
Applicants selected for appointment to a position with St. Louis County are subject to a background investigation.
Employment Eligibility Verification
All new employees must submit documentation verifying identity and employment eligibility within three days of their first day of employment.
Probationary Period
Appointees to the position must successfully complete a twelve-month probationary period prior to being certified for permanent employment.
Non-discrimination
St. Louis County is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer.
Eligible St. Louis County employees earn a competitive salary and benefits package, including:
01
Please type or clearly print your name.
02
The information you provide related to your education, training, and experience is subject to verification. I understand that giving false information, failing to accurately represent myself, or not providing required documentation as listed on the job announcement will result in disqualification.
Are you legally authorized to work in the United States for St. Louis County?
All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas, and it does not currently participate in E-Verify. Will you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) to work legally for St. Louis County in the United States?
Do you have a valid driver's license?
Select your highest level of education completed.
I understand that I am required to attach copies of unofficial transcript(s) to my application, or equivalent proof of attendance, to be awarded credit for any claimed educational qualifications. Note: By answering "No," we will not be able to accept your application.
SME Explanation: Questions 9-13 will be reviewed by a Subject Matter Expert (SME). The questions will be scored and used to help determine 100% of your score. For each question, please list the organization(s) and/or employers where you gained the experience. All information listed must also be supported in the work experience section of your application. I have read and understand the instructions given above and acknowledge that I understand my score is derived 100% from my answers to supplemental questions 9-13
Please describe how your experience has prepared you to provide effective county services to our community.
10
Please describe your experience conducting assessments, interviews and facilitating meetings.
11
Please describe and provide examples of how you collaborate with colleagues or classmates.
12
Please describe how you have handled conflict and lack of cooperation. Please include examples.
13
Please describe the most important aspects of developing a case plan.
14
I certify that my responses to the questions above are true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
St. Louis County is hiring a dedicated and compassionate Social Worker for our child protection team. Social Workers are responsible for professional work performing assessments, intervention, case management and person-centered advocacy for our Children & Family Services work unit within the Public Health and Human Services Department.
The salary range reflected above is the normal hiring range for 2026. Below is the full salary range including longevity.
Social Worker $28.81 - $43.40 per hour.
Social Worker (MSW) $31.35 - $47.58 per hour.
This position is part of the Merit Basic Unit Employees Collective Bargaining Agreement Contract represented by Council 5 of AFSCME.
St. Louis County does not participate in E-Verify. All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States, for St. Louis County, on a full-time basis. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
Distinguishing Features of Work
An employee in this class is responsible for providing social work services on cases involving complex social problems and social treatment plans. Duties include performing responsible and difficult casework, directing service programs or providing work direction to paraprofessional staff. Child Protection Services (CPS) Social Workers are assigned social work cases involving voluntary and non-voluntary child protective service cases. The work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.
Work Environment
These work environment factors are general in nature and may vary depending on the specific position being filled. CONSTANT: Near and midrange vision; Grasp/handle; Works with others; works around others; Inside. FREQUENT: Lift-push/pull while stationary up to 20 pounds; Carry-push/pull while moving about up to 20 pounds; Hearing close proximity (0-5 feet); Maintain posture; Reach; Sit; Static neck position; Talk/speak; Customer/public contact; Clients with Behavioral Challenges. OCCASIONAL: Hearing distance up to 20 feet; Balance; Move about; Stand; Taste/Smell; Walk; Works alone; Extended day; Outside and Drive. RARE: Carry-push/pull while moving about up to 50 pounds; Climb stairs; Kneel.
Selection Process
SOCIAL WORKER MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Pass/Fail)
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology or closely related field; OR graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in any field AND one (1) year of full-time paid verifiable experience as a social worker in a public or private social services agency.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license.
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Social Work; OR graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology or a closely related field with a specialization (39 quarter credits or 30 semester credits) in marriage, family, child or victim/offender counseling or a closely related specialization.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license.
Supplemental Questions will be 100% of the scoring process:
Points will be awarded based on the applicants answers to supplemental questions 9-13.
Experience beyond ten years may be included on the application for purposes of meeting minimum qualifications or informing the hiring authority of your complete employment history.
Please Note: When answering the supplemental questions on the website, the webpage may time out after 30 minutes. It's recommended you draft your answers in a separate document and copy/paste the answers into the application when you're finished writing. Failure to answer and save all of the questions on the "Supplemental Questions" page within 30 minutes may result in the deletion of your answers by the application system.
Tentative Recruitment & Screening Process Schedule
- March 23, 2026 - Applicant screening will begin
- Week of April 6, 2026 - Supplemental question scoring to be completed
- Week of April 20, 2026 - Interviews to be conducted
The essential functions for this position are listed under the "ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK" on the specification, available in the Human Resources Department or online at www.stlouiscountymn.gov/jobdescriptions.
Veterans Preference
If you are eligible to apply for Veterans Preference, please attach to your application a copy of document(s) listed for the option that applies to you:
- Veteran: DD214 noting character of service.
- Disabled Veteran: DD214 & compensable disability award letter issued within the last 6 months.
- Spouse of Disabled Veteran: DD214 & compensable disability award letter issued within the last 6 months & marriage certificate. (Eligible only if Veteran is unable to qualify because of the disability.)
- Spouse of Deceased Veteran: DD214, Marriage Certificate and Death Certificate.
Physical-medical Standards
Qualified applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Applicants selected must meet the physical requirements for the position.
Drug Testing
Applicants selected for appointment must take and pass a drug test.
Background Check
Applicants selected for appointment to a position with St. Louis County are subject to a background investigation.
Employment Eligibility Verification
All new employees must submit documentation verifying identity and employment eligibility within three days of their first day of employment.
Probationary Period
Appointees to the position must successfully complete a twelve-month probationary period prior to being certified for permanent employment.
Non-discrimination
St. Louis County is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer.
Eligible St. Louis County employees earn a competitive salary and benefits package, including:
- Vacation, Sick and Personal Leave
- Paid Holidays
- Medical Plan
- Dental Plan
- Vision Plan
- Disability Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Retirement Benefits
- Deferred Compensation
- Training and Advancement Opportunities
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Resource Groups
- Employee Wellness Program
- Pet Insurance
01
Please type or clearly print your name.
02
The information you provide related to your education, training, and experience is subject to verification. I understand that giving false information, failing to accurately represent myself, or not providing required documentation as listed on the job announcement will result in disqualification.
- Yes
Are you legally authorized to work in the United States for St. Louis County?
- Yes
- No
All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas, and it does not currently participate in E-Verify. Will you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) to work legally for St. Louis County in the United States?
- Yes, I will now, or will in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) to work legally for St. Louis County in the United States
- No, I will not now, or in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) to work legally for St. Louis County in the United States
Do you have a valid driver's license?
- Yes
- No
Select your highest level of education completed.
- Master's degree in Social Work
- Master's degree in counseling, clinical psychology or a closely related field with a specialization (39 quarter credits or 30 semester credits) in marriage, family, child or victim/offender counseling or a closely related specialization.
- Master's Degree in any field
- Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology or closely related field.
- Bachelor's degree in any field AND one (1) year of full-time paid verifiable experience as a social worker in a public or private social services agency.
- Bachelor's degree in any field
- AA Degree
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- None of the above
I understand that I am required to attach copies of unofficial transcript(s) to my application, or equivalent proof of attendance, to be awarded credit for any claimed educational qualifications. Note: By answering "No," we will not be able to accept your application.
- Yes
- No
SME Explanation: Questions 9-13 will be reviewed by a Subject Matter Expert (SME). The questions will be scored and used to help determine 100% of your score. For each question, please list the organization(s) and/or employers where you gained the experience. All information listed must also be supported in the work experience section of your application. I have read and understand the instructions given above and acknowledge that I understand my score is derived 100% from my answers to supplemental questions 9-13
- Yes
- No
Please describe how your experience has prepared you to provide effective county services to our community.
10
Please describe your experience conducting assessments, interviews and facilitating meetings.
11
Please describe and provide examples of how you collaborate with colleagues or classmates.
12
Please describe how you have handled conflict and lack of cooperation. Please include examples.
13
Please describe the most important aspects of developing a case plan.
14
I certify that my responses to the questions above are true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
- Yes
- No
- Required Question
Salary : $29 - $43