Social Worker - Child Protection Intake

Olmsted County Job Opportunity

Recognized as one of the best places to work in Southeast Minnesota for three consecutive years, at Olmsted County every role helps to foster a vibrant community where everyone thrives. Our employees are at the heart of everything we do, driving public service excellence and community well-being.

We don't just offer a job, we offer a career filled with purpose, growth, and fulfillment. Our benefits package ensures your wellbeing, while career advancement opportunities and professional development empower you to reach your full potential.

Join us, and you'll be part of a purpose-driven team where your work truly makes a difference. Together, we build a sustainable, healthy, and welcoming community.

Minimum Qualifications of Education and Experience

Expected starting salary is $34.62 to $46.23. Full salary range $34.62 to $57.83.

Bachelor's or Master's degree from an accredited college or university.

Regular and reliable attendance is a necessary component of job/position. Individuals required to use County vehicles and equipment must have a valid driver's license and be free of any major traffic violations for the last three (3) years.

Desirable Qualifications:

Two years of social service related experience.

Nature of Work

Under general supervision of a program manager or supervisor, and within State and locally developed programs and policies, responds to concerns from individuals, families and the community regarding the safety and well-being of children. Under guidance of State Statute and Rule, and group decision making, determine responses to reported concerns and possible interventions to support the child and family. Supports a diverse, respectful, and inclusive workplace.

Examples of Work

* Speak with clients/collateral contacts in initial phone calls or face to face contact to identify alleged child maltreatment concerns. This includes gathering comprehensive information to help with screening/decision making • Using SSIS, (Social Services Information System) complete an intake and accurately document information gathered to support screening decisions. •Speak with clients/collateral contacts to gather balanced information to refer families to the appropriate Child Welfare program to support the family • Respond to situations in the community to assist families, law enforcement and other community professional with immediate concern for child safety/neglect (ie.safety planning, locating family and mediating conflict) * Assisting other child protection agencies in meeting required time frames for initial contact and completed courtesy interviews when requested • Attend daily screening team to provide input into screening decisions made on child maltreatment reports • Advise clients/collateral contacts of possible resources, rights, and responsibilities under programs or services • Refers clients to other programs or agencies when appropriate • Works with natural supports and family group decision making • Prepares correspondence reports and maintains case records in accordance with state, federal and local guidelines •Provides coverage Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm for screening reports of possible child maltreatment and responds to concerns regarding the wellbeing and safety of children

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of family-based services/family dynamics/ family group conferencing
• Knowledge of child protection and child welfare problems and services
• Knowledge of mental health programs and services
• Thorough knowledge of principles, methods and techniques of social work
• Knowledge and appreciation for impact of secondary stress reaction, including ability to exercise self care strategies
• Considerable knowledge of dynamics of individual and family behavior
• Considerable knowledge of human growth and development
• Considerable knowledge of the use of community resources
• Knowledge of social and economic problems
• Knowledge of federal and state social services programs and laws
• Knowledge of agency policies
• Knowledge of diverse cultures
• Ability to use counseling techniques effectively on an individual, family, or group basis
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with clients, co-workers, public officials, and citizens of the community

Persons with disabilities: the above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-essential job duties.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: In compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the Physical and Environmental Demands:

Function: - 24% or Less - 25% - 49% - 50%-74% - 75% or more

Office environment - X

Lab/hospital environment - X

Clinical environment - X

Community visits - X

Exposure to needle sticks/sharps exposure - X

Exposure to human blood/pathogens/body fluids - X

Exposure to atmospheric conditions, weather, extreme heat/cold, wet and/or humid - X

Sitting - X

Standing, walking, reaching, pulling, climbing, handling, feeling - X

Repetitive hand movements, typing/data entry - X

Talking, hearing - X

Operate vehicle - X

Close vision - X

Distance vision - X

Sedentary (exert up to 10 pounds of force) - X

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Additional Considerations

• This is a Rochester, MN based position and is not remote eligible at this time.
• International relocation or international remote working arrangements (outside of the US) will not be considered.
• Applicants for this position must be currently authorized to work in the United States.
• Olmsted County does not sponsor applicants for this position.