Social Worker

Job Summary:

Responsible for providing professional social services to clients and families in a wide variety of program areas including child protection, child services, vulnerable adults, mental health, chemical dependency and elderly services. Duties and activities include but are not limited to formulating client treatment/service plans; conducting case management activities; performing crisis intervention; referral services; assessment and family group conferences; and other social service activities in accordance with program requirements, regulations, statutes, mandates, department guidelines, procedures and data privacy requirements. This is a classification description that encompasses a variety of different jobs that perform similar but different duties and work with different populations of clients.

SECTION II: ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Conducts client intakes and assessments for a variety of social service programs and community based waivered services.

a) Performs social service intake functions. Receives phone calls and interacts with members of the community seeking assistance with various social service situations and issues. Assists the public in identifying needs and makes referrals. Screens, assesses and prepares initial maltreatment reports.

b) Performs intake functions for community members requesting long-term care, health care assessments and services.

c) Conducts long-term assessments (MN Choice Assessment) for residents to determine eligibility for waiver programs. Develops plans that identify preliminary service needs and makes referrals to both internal and/or external agencies. Makes home visits to complete assessments; follows federal, State and local guidelines in the conduct of screenings and care plans; coordinates assessment with public health professionals and refers client for appropriate services.

d) Conducts interviews, gathers information, and makes recommendations on appropriate level of care.

e) Screens all intake reports for possible abuse or neglect. Conducts follow up investigations and assessments for all screened abuse and neglect reports. Follows Federal and State requirements and timelines; makes risk and safety assessments; collaborates with law enforcement; and prepares required documentation.

f) Conducts pre-petition screenings to assess an individual’s risk of danger to self or others. Assesses the need for long-term hospitalization or civil commitment. Conducts investigations and completes documents.

Conducts case management functions in assigned program areas.

a) Develops Individual Service Plans for clients. Analyzes and monitors service plans to assess plan progress or changes in client needs. Reviews provider records and observes the implementation of service plan provisions. Adheres to any required timelines and procedures in accordance with applicable program requirements.

b) Identifies the amount, type and frequency of service, service costs and potential service providers. Coordinates with clients and service providers.

c) Advises clients or their representatives of their rights and obligations.

a) Monitors services, provides care coordination, and monitors the activities of service providers to ensure the proper care and delivery of services.

b) Testifies in court.

d) Supervises out-of-home placements.

e) Reviews provider records and observes the implementation of service plan provisions.

f) Performs duties of public guardian/conservator. Represents client needs and interests to ensure providers are complying with guidelines; attends all hearings and provides medical consent for all services on the client’s behalf.

Maintains, documents, updates and enters case management activities in accordance with all program requirements and guidelines. Prepares court reviews and prepares for court hearings. Updates information in SSIS or related department databases. Prepares regular and special reports.

Serves on various task forces and/or committees.

a)Serves as a team member on established committees.

b)Attends inter-agency meetings to coordinate social services and monitoring services.

c)Provides training to service providers on mandated reporter requirements, program service availability, drug abuse, vulnerable adult definitions, etc.

Performs other duties of a comparable level or type.

a) Keeps abreast of changing development, trends and technologies in areas of expertise and responsibilities.

b) Attends conferences, staff meetings, seminars, regional meetings and services on various professional organizations.

Assumes special projects at the direction of the Social Services Supervisor.

Expected to perform and meet all County core competencies.

SECTION III: WORK REQUIREMENTS AND CHARACTERISTICS EDUCATION/KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENT: Minimum education required to perform adequately in position could reasonably be attained only by completing the following:

Minimum Education & Work Experience Requirements:

Requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology or related field and no prior experience required. LICENSE/ CERTIFICATION

Identify licenses/certification required:

Requires a valid driver’s license in the State of MN. Must pass relevant Minnesota Merit System exam. May be required to obtain additional certifications after hire depending upon area of assignment. ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED TO PERFORM THE WORK

Knowledge of:

Fundamentals, principles, techniques and trends in social services in such areas as family systems/dynamics, child development, individual/family therapy, counseling, crisis intervention, adoption issues, home and community-based waiver programs, chemical dependency, abuse, neglect, and family violence.

Local, federal and state regulations, laws, rules, policies and procedures pertaining to program assignments.

Interview, assessment, counseling and evaluation tools in area of specialty.

Record keeping requirements and county administrative policies and procedures pertaining to social service programs.

Knowledge of data privacy, HIPPA and confidentiality.

Community resources, providers and other resources within the community in areas of program responsibility.

General office procedures, computer operations, computer software and applications used within the agency

REQUIRED TO PERFORM THE WORK

Preparing numerical, assessment, narrative management reports and/or client records/files.

Oral and written communications.

Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with supervisors, providers, program participants, representatives of other governmental agencies and other professionals in the field.

Investigating, interviewing and gathering information and documentation needed in making assessments and evaluations concerning client emotional/physical needs, issues and concerns.

Assessment and developing individual service plans for clients.

Applying judgment, discretion and decision making in developing strategies and plans to best assist client needs and concerns within relevant and applicable requirements, regulations, rules, policies and procedures.

Conducting court studies, preparing court documents and testifying in court concerning actions, findings and recommendations.

Documenting and maintaining required case management activities and requirements.

Working with and collaborating with other care professionals, law enforcement, service providers and team members in the delivery of social/human services.

Interviewing, assessing, counseling, evaluating, referring and/or coordinating services for clients

Pay: $27.85 - $37.43 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person