Social Worker - Family Ties

Salary: $31.90 - $41.73 Hourly
Location : Milaca, MN
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 00892
Department: Community and Veterans Services Office
Division: Family and Child Services
Opening Date: 06/02/2026
Closing Date: 6/9/2026 4:00 PM Central


Description
The Social Worker provides professional, person-centered services to clients as part of a comprehensive program to effectively address service needs, maximize functioning, protect and preserve the welfare of individuals and the community. Identifies client needs, funding sources, creates and develops service plan; implements, monitors, and evaluates services plans.

This position operates under the AFSCME-CVS bargaining unit. Complete 2026 pay scale is $31.90- $41.73/hour. For a complete position description, click
The primary caseload for this position is Family Ties, which includes Homelessness Prevention.

Essential Functions
This job description indicates the normal type and level of work expected of the incumbent. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as apparent or assigned.

1. Interviews clients to assess their service needs in order to determine safety and well-being; coordinates comprehensive care, assessments, and case management, including formulating specific recommendations relating to internal and external resource utilization; referrals to service providers; assesses service outcomes, and responds to licensing applications. Assesses, develops, and implements services plans to provide services to residents in a wide range of areas, including but not limited to, adult and child protection, mental health, developmental disabilities, foster care and child care licensing, truancy, delinquency, early intervention, brain injury, elderly services, substance use disorder assistance, etc. within established state, federal, and county guidelines and procedures.
2. Provides intake services as assigned, obtaining information to facilitate the identification of client service needs, respond to inquiries and requests for services, initiate timely screenings to determine the need for immediate action, and provide resource information to the public. Assess problems, make decisions, determine appropriate response based on knowledge of internal and external resources, and implement plan of action.
3. Conducts timely investigations in response to reports of neglect or abuse; interviews alleged victim and alleged perpetrator of maltreatment, as well as other people who may have pertinent information such as school personnel or medical professionals. Gathers and analyzes data, evidence, and reports. Utilizes information and interviews obtained to make determinations of maltreatment against alleged perpetrators. Coordinates with Law Enforcement, County Attorney's Office, and other community agencies to meet the needs of victims. Forensic Interviews of alleged victims may be required at times. Conducts investigations for day care and foster care licensing purposes. Completes home studies and responds to complaints and requests regarding childcare providers and foster care providers.
4. Assesses and formulates plans to address behavioral, safety, and cognitive need of clients.. This includes specific recommendations relating to internal and external resources, service outcomes, evaluation schedules, and plan revisions to effectively promote positive quality care in the least restrictive setting.
5. Manages active caseload, which includes but is not limited to: provides direct contact in office and field, provides counseling, advocacy, and service coordination for on-going case management to achieve service plan objectives. Functions as lead on teams or projects and provides direction and consultation to other staff and service providers as assigned. .
6. Navigates agency, state, and federal computer systems including SSIS to complete required documentation related to client activity to ensure the accurate and timely recording, retention, and retrieval of case files. Makes recommendations to utilize e budgeted crisis, waiver, and other funding streams appropriately to assist in meeting the needs of clients.
7. Utilizes the authority of the courts, law enforcement, and DHS Commissioner to provide services to clients in need of protection by initiating court proceedings and court actions. Prepares documents to initiate court action and complete court reports. Attends and testifies at state and tribal court hearings. Interprets and complies with court orders and monitors client compliance with court orders. Works collaboratively with court services in Children in Need of Protective Services (CHIPS), permanency, delinquency, criminal matters, court visitor requests, guardianship matters, and civil commitments; periodic reviews; and emergency guardianship. Represents the Commissioner of DHS and/or the Agency for all appeals, hearings, and court actions regarding maltreatment, licensing, and service determinations. Act as legal guardian, conservator or rep-payee for vulnerable adults or children as appointed.
8. Provides immediate response in crisis situations to determine if children and/or vulnerable adults are in imminent danger; works closely with law enforcement and foster care providers to find appropriate placements as necessary. Maintains safety of clients and community by developing and implementing plans to maximize safety and minimize community risk. Effectively engages individuals and families to assess needs and strengths, including safety, risk, and conflict resolution. Locates emergency housing options, including facilitation of transportation if necessary.
9. Utilizes appropriate community agencies to collaborate in providing services, support, and other needs of community. Includes coordination of appointments, meetings, schedules, and client needs to determine most effective ways to meet the needs of the community. Transports clients to appointments, services, agencies, etc. to meet basic needs, which may include moving children and adults to various placements, hospitals, programs, facilities, housing, etc., which may require travel throughout the state and out-of-state. May include moving of clients' belongings as part of transport.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college with a major in social work, psychology, sociology, or closely related field;
• Must successfully complete a criminal history background check.
• Class D Driver's License.
• Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor status required for Substance Use Disorder Social Worker.
• Available to respond to emergencies as needed during non-business hours.

Selection Process


Candidates will be selected based on a review of training and experience. Top candidates will be invited to participate in oral interviews.
The following is intended to be a general overview of benefits provided for full-time positions. Insurance benefits become effective the first day of the month following the month of hire. Further details and a complete copy of the applicable contract/policy language are available at the time an employment offer is extended. If you have any questions about the benefits, please contact the Administrative Services Office at
Medical Insurance
Employees have three (3) medical insurance plans to choose from, within three (3) different networks. The rates shown are effective 1/1/2026 through 12/31/2026.

Single Coverage Total Monthly Premium

Single Coverage Monthly Employee Cost

Single Coverage Monthly HSA Contribution

Family Coverage Monthly Total Premium

Family Coverage Monthly Employee Cost

Family Coverage Monthly HSA Contribution

RTS Medica Passport

2000-25% HSA

$971.66

$0

$93.75

$2,582.30

$932.30

N/A

850-40

$1,093.56

$121.90

N/A

$2,906.28

$1,256.28

N/A

400-35

$1,155.78

$184.12

N/A

$3,071.64

$1,421.64

N/A

RTS Medica Elect

2000-25% HSA

$850.20

$0

$208.33

$2,259.52

$609.52

N/A

850-40

$956.86

$0

N/A

$2,543.00

$893.00

N/A

400-35

$1,011.30

$39.64

N/A

$2,687.68

$1,037.68

N/A

RTS Medica VantagePlus

2000-25% HSA

$825.90

$0

$229.17

$2,194.96

$544.96

N/A

850-40

$929.52

$0

N/A

$2,470.34

$820.34

N/A

400-35

$982.42

$10.76

N/A

$2,610.90

$960.90

N/A

Employees may choose to contribute additional funds to their HSA each year, up to the IRS limit of $4,400 for singles, and $8,750 for families. Once at age 55, employees can contribute an additional $1,000 (to either single or family) as long as they are not covered under Medicare. The IRS limit applies to the total employer and employee contributions combined. Employer contributions (if eligible) will go into a Health Savings Account.
Dental Insurance
There is no cost to the employee for single coverage. Family coverage costs the employee $76.46 per month.
Vision Insurance
Vision coverage is available and paid for by the employee at the following monthly rates:

• Employee Only - $5.85
• Employee + Spouse - $11.69
• Employee + Children - $11.31
• Family - $18.35

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA's) Available
Plan options include medical and dependent care FSAs, as well as a premium only plan (pre-tax deduction of medical and dental premiums). These amounts cannot be changed during the year unless there is a qualifying life event. All funds must be used by the claims deadline.

• FSA Medical/Health max election of $3,400 per year
• Limited Purpose FSA max election of $3,400 per year (funds can only be used for vision, dental or orthodontia expenses when paired with an HSA until medical deductible has been met)
• FSA Dependent Care max election of $7,500 per year per family ($3,750 if married and filing separately)

Paid Time Off
Holidays: Full-time employees have approximately 14.5 paid holidays per year, including floating holidays, subject to the terms of the Personnel Policy or Collective Bargaining Agreement as applicable.

Vacation: Full-time employees earn 11 to 23 days per year, depending on tenure. Part-time employees earn pro- rated accruals.

Sick Time: Full-time employees accrue 12 sick days per year. Part-Time employees earn pro-rated accruals.
Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) Benefits Provided
Employees fall under the General, Police & Fire, or Correctional defined benefit plan depending on their position. PERA rates and handbooks available on-line:


Contribution amounts are based on the employee's pay each pay period.

Employer Contribution Employee Contribution

• Coordinated Plan 7.5% 6.5%
• Police & Fire Plan 16.2% 10.8%
• Correctional Plan 10.25% 6.83%

Deferred Compensation Program Available
Deferred Compensation Plans are available through Nationwide:
Life Insurance
There is no cost to the employee for $15,000 in basic life insurance coverage. Rates for voluntary additional coverage for employee or spouse vary according to age category:

AgeofEmployee Or Spouse EmployeeMonthlyCost Per $1,000

Underage 35

.06

35-39

.10

40-44

.12

45-49

.17

50-54

.25

55-59

.45

60-64

.68

65-69

1.29

70-74

2.08
Dependent Life & Child Life Insurance Packages Available
Child life is available as a $10,000 policy on each child; the cost is $1.30 per month. Dependent care is available as a $2,500 policy on all tax dependents; the cost is $0.66 per month.
Long-term Disability Insurance Plan Available
Rates vary according to age and coverage amount; rates listed reflect monthly costs.

Age

Per$100Monthly Benefit

Underage 25

.26

25-29

.33

30-34

.40

35-39

.48

40-44

.65

45-49

.94
50-54

1.25

55-59

1.51

60+

1.53
Short-term Disability Insurance Plan Available
Rates vary according to age and coverage amount; rates listed reflect monthly costs.

Age

Per$100WeeklyBenefit

UnderAge 30

1.00

30-34

1.10

35-39

1.10

40-44

1.10

45-49

1.30

50-54

1.70

55-59

2.00

60-64

2.40

65+

2.80
Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Confinement Insurance Available
01


Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you have a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or a closely related field?

• Yes
• No

03


Please list the field of study in which you possess a degree.
04


Do you have a Master's Degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or a closely related field?

• Yes
• No

05


If you have a Master's Degree, please list the field of study in which you possess a degree.
06


Are you a licensed social worker? (Note: Licensure is not a requirement for this position).

• Yes
• No

07


If yes, list your license number:
08


Which of the following best describes your years of experience working with children, families, or vulnerable adults in a community-based setting?

• None
• Less than 2 years
• 2-4 years
• 4-6 years
• More than 6 years

09


Please explain how you obtained your experience as noted above. If not applicable, list "N/A."
10


Which best describes your highest level of professional experience working as a social worker?

• No paid experience
• No paid work experience, but completed an internship
• No paid work experience, but completed an internship with a county social service agency
• Less than 2 years of paid experience
• 2-4 years of paid experience
• 4 or more years of experience

11


Please explain how you obtained your professional experience as a social worker, as indicated in the above question. Include employer name and examples of work performed. If not applicable, list "N/A."
12


Do you have any experience interviewing and/or conducting investigations?

• Yes
• No

13


Please explain how you obtained your experience as noted above. If not applicable, list "N/A."
14


Please indicate the following software/systems that you are PROFICIENT in using (select all that apply):

• MS Excel
• MS Word
• MS Outlook
• SSIS (State of MN Social Service Information System)
• None of the above

15


Why are you interested in this position, and in working for Mille Lacs County?
Required Question