Licensed Social Worker / Clinical Program Therapist 2

State of Minnesota; Fergus Falls (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Minnesota's Direct Care and Treatment division seeks a licensed Social Worker to join CARE Fergus Falls. This role focuses on residential treatment for adults with substance use and co-occurring disorders, delivering person-centered therapy and coordinating aftercare with community partners.

You will provide individual and group therapy, advocate for clients, and work with interdisciplinary teams to develop treatment and discharge plans.

Qualifications

• Post-bachelor's experience providing behavioral health services, including at least 4 of the listed activities.
• Master's degree and Minnesota licensure required.

Responsibilities

• Provision of individual support and group therapy interventions to promote client progress toward treatment goals.
• Collaboration with treatment team to develop and arrange aftercare plans conducive to recovery.

Education

Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, behavior analysis, or related field

Master’s degree in psychology, social work, behavior analysis, or related field

License/Certification as an LGSW, LISW, or LICSW in Minnesota

Job description

Agency: Direct Care and Treatment

• Job ID: 96756
• Location: Fergus Falls
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/18/2026
• Closing Date: 10/26/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / DCT MAPE State Operated Svcs
• Division/Unit: Mental Health & Substance Abuse Treatment Services / CARE Fergus Falls Clinical
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am-4:30pm; 1 evening/wk 11:30am-8:00pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday except every 8th Saturday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $28.75 - $42.16 / hourly; $60,030 - $88,030 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCT does not participate in E-Verify.

This posting was previously announced on 09/10/2026. If you already applied, you do not need to reapply.

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Social Workers may be eligible for a hiring incentive of up to $2,500!

The Community Addiction Recovery Enterprise (CARE) in Fergus Falls, MN is seeking a talented, mission driven, person-centered Social Worker to join our team and make a difference in the lives of others. CARE specializes in providing residential treatment services for adults with substance use and co-occurring disorders. All services are person-centered, building on the individual's interests and capacity for growth, leading to a lifelong process of recovery. Don't miss this excellent opportunity to be part of a great team!

Responsibilities include:

• Provision of individual support and group therapy interventions to promote client progress toward treatment goals.
• Promotion of advocacy and equitable support for all clients based on person-centered needs and relevant accommodations.
• Collaboration with clients and their treatment team, both internally and externally (county case managers, family/personal supports, attorneys, and Court liaisons, etc.) to develop and arrange aftercare plans conducive to recovery.
• Service as a conduit related to funding needs, both while in treatment and as part of aftercare.

• Providing direct care and therapeutic support to individuals
• Assisting with assessment of behavior health challenges including data collection
• Experience leading and/or facilitating educational groups or therapeutic activities with individuals with mental health symptoms
• Experience developing or implementing support plans or treatment plans that addresses behavior through adaptations, activities, interventions, education
• Assisting in planning and hand-off communication of support plans and strategies for supporting individuals upon discharge
• Developing/assisting in development of behavioral interventions and recommendations for interdisciplinary staff implementation

• Supervised training experience obtained as a part of requirements for a bachelor’s degree program may be counted towards years of experience. (Pre-graduation experience)

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, behavior analysis, or related field; and
• Licensure as a Social Worker in the State of Minnesota; and
• One year (1) of post-bachelor's degree experience providing behavioral health services including at least 4 of the 6 activities listed below:
• Providing direct care and therapeutic support to individuals
• Assisting with assessment of behavior health challenges including data collection
• Experience leading and/or facilitating educational groups or therapeutic activities with individuals with mental health symptoms
• Experience developing or implementing support plans or treatment plans that addresses behavior through adaptations, activities, interventions, education
• Assisting in planning and hand-off communication of support plans and strategies for supporting individuals upon discharge
• Developing/assisting in development of behavioral interventions and recommendations for interdisciplinary staff implementation

• Master’s degree in psychology, social work, behavior analysis, or related field; and
• License/Certification in the State of Minnesota as an LGSW, LISW, or LICSW

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with clients navigating complex legal issues that span both civil and criminal court systems.
• Experience working with diverse populations and an understanding of cultural dynamics.
• Knowledge of the continuum of care for individuals with substance use and mental health disorders in Minnesota.

Additional Requirements

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS – Direct Care & Treatment will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.

Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) healthcare facilities require employees to provide documentation that they are free from tuberculosis (TB) through a blood test prior to employment. DCT does not accept TB skin testing.

About Direct Care And Treatment

DCT operates a highly specialized behavioral health care system that serves people with mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. This includes psychiatric hospitals and other inpatient mental health treatment facilities; inpatient substance abuse treatment facilities; dental clinics, group homes, vocational sites, and sex offender treatment facilities.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.