Social Services Specialist I

St. Louis County, Minnesota; Chaska (MN); On-site; USD 33,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Louis County in Minnesota is seeking a Social Services Specialist I to provide essential support to program staff and the community.

This paraprofessional role delivers customer service for public assistance and child support programs, assists with case management tasks, and helps maintain accurate records and smooth application processes. The position offers a steady Civil Service environment and opportunities to contribute to county services.

Qualifications

• Customer service related to public assistance and child support programs.
• Assist with child support case management tasks.
• Maintain organized electronic and paper records.

Responsibilities

• Provide paraprofessional direct client services under supervision.
• Support program application processes and processing of referrals.
• Manage appointment check-in procedures and general administrative duties.

Skills

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

The Economic Services and Supports division of Public Health and Human Services is seeking qualified candidates for the Social Services Specialist I position. This paraprofessional role provides essential support to program staff and the community. Responsibilities include delivering customer service related to public assistance and child support programs, assisting with child support case management tasks, maintaining organized electronic and paper records, supporting program application processes, managing appointment check-in procedures, and performing other assigned administrative and client-support duties.

The salary range reflected above is the normal hiring range for 2026. The full salary range, including longevity pay, is $23.96 - $32.96 per hour.

Please note: The current vacancy is in Duluth. However, this list will be used to fill future vacancies located throughout the county, which includes Duluth and the Iron Range.

This position is part of the Civil Service Basic Unit Employees Collective Bargaining Agreement 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.

An employee in this class performs para-professional direct client services, supports professional staff and provides case management services to customers. Duties include assessing needs, determining program eligibility, providing direct services, maintaining accurate program records and reports and initiating customer referrals. The work is performed under the direction of assigned staff.

These work environment factors are general in nature and may vary depending on the specific position being filled.

CONSTANT: Talk/Speak; Near Vision and Inside.

FREQUENT: Lift -While Stationary up to 10 lbs, Carry -While Moving up to 10 lbs, Sit; Stand; Walk; Hearing Close proximity (1-5 ft) and Hearing Distance (up to 20 ft); Midrange Vision; Works with others; Works around others; Customer/Public contact.

OCCASIONAL: Feel/Finger; Grasp/Handle; Reach; Reach above shoulder; Rotate Neck; Stoop/Bend; Wrist turn (right and left); Far vision; Clients w/Behavior Challenges; Extended Day; and Drive.

NOTE: Social Services Specialist I employees working with CPS (Child Protection Services), CW (Child Welfare), FA (Family Assistance) and IIU (Initial Intervention Unit) will be required to frequently Lift-while stationary up to 20 lbs; occasionally Lift-while stationary 20-30 lbs; frequently Carry-while moving up to 20 lbs; occasionally Carry-while moving 20-30 lbs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Pass/Fail):

• High school diploma or its equivalent.
• Possession of a valid driver's license.

RATING SYSTEM:

• Points will be awarded based on the applicants answers to supplemental questions 9-12.
• 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.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT & SCREENING PROCESS SCHEDULE:

• August 19, 2026 - Applicant screening will begin
• Week of August 31, 2026 - Supplemental question scoring to be completed
• Week of September 14, 2026 - Interviews to be conducted

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

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 http://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.

Please refer to Minnesota Statute 197.455 for additional requirements.

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 at least a six-month probationary period prior to being certified for permanent employment.

NON-DISCRIMINATION:

St. Louis County is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer.