Social Worker I/II

Washington County (MN); Baytown Township (MN); On-site; USD 71,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington County, MN, seeks Social Worker I/II to support MnCHOICES teams by conducting initial assessments and annual reassessments for diverse individuals. The role emphasizes person-centered practice, equity, and linkage to community resources.

Entry-level to mid-level opportunities; requires Bachelor's in social work; preferred Master's; experience in HCBS and MnCHOICES certification. Strong organizational skills, cultural sensitivity, and commitment to independence and safety are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in social work or related field required.
• One year or more HCBS experience preferred.
• MnCHOICES certification or current pursuit preferred.
• Experience with diverse populations.
• Strong time management and proficiency with technology.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate MnCHOICES intake and assessments.
• Develop strength-based service plans and monitor progress.
• Determine appropriate resources and referrals to community-based care.
• Conduct annual reassessments and case reviews.
• Maintain accurate client records and documentation.
• Collaborate with families and community agencies.

Skills

Interviewing techniques

Crisis intervention

Case management

Cultural sensitivity

Time management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or related field

Master's Degree in Social Work (preferred)

Job description

The Access, Aging, and Disability (AA&D) Division of Community Services has an opening for a Social Worker I/II across multiple MnCHOICES teams. These positions will be supporting the needs of MnCHOICES providing initial assessments and annual reassessments for people with varying abilities and ages. Services are provided to a broad population using an inclusive, person-centered approach that includes race equity. Qualified candidates with diverse perspectives are encouraged to apply. One or more years of experience in Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) is preferred for MnCHOICES Certification. Proficiency with technology, strong organizational skills, and passion for supporting people in our community are essential for this fast-paced, rewarding position.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE:

• MnCHOICES Certified assessor or have you held a MnCHOICES certification
• Direct experience in the role of MnCHOICES assessor at a county agency and/or in the role of a waiver case manager at a county agency or contracted case manager for a county agency
• One or more years of experience working in Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
• Experience interacting and providing services to individuals from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds
• Experience in understanding, implementation, and analysis of person-centered practice and diversity, equity, and inclusion work
• Experience utilizing time management skills and technology to complete assessments within required timelines

SELECTION TECHNIQUE:

Your training and experience will be rated based on the required application material submitted and the top-scoring candidates will be forwarded to the hiring department for further consideration.

HOURS / DAYS:

8:00am - 4:30pm Monday - Friday

Work schedules (hours and days) are subject to change based on department needs.

ANTICIPATED PAY RATE:

$70,720 - $96,470.40 Annually

E-Verify Participation:

Washington County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Washington County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Washington County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.

E- Verify Participation Poster

Right to work Poster

The Social Worker I is an entry level position responsible for identifying and assessing complex individual, family and community problems and strengths, selecting case work, group methods or community resources and implementing plans to protect vulnerable people, promote independence and prevent abuse or neglect.

A Social Worker I may be assigned duties in any of the following units: Family/Children, Licensing, Chemical Health, Adult Mental Health, Development Disabilities, Adult Family Services, Adult Protection, Minnesota Family Investment Program/WorkForce Center or Housing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: This position requires a Bachelor's Degree in social work or related field, or equivalent. There may be additional requirements based on area of assignment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: A Master's Degree in Social Work or related field and one year of related experience as a Social Worker is highly desirable.

CORE COMPETENCIES, JOB SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR SUCCESSFUL JOB PERFORMANCE

Core Competencies outline essential business and professional traits necessary to perform this job.

• Support and prioritize a welcoming and respectful workplace that fosters diversity and encourages contributions from all individuals.
• Provide inclusive and equitable service to all members of the community with dignity and respect.
• Demonstrate support for the County’s diversity, equity and inclusion program.
• Promotes a culture of continuous quality improvement in the workplace.
• Demonstrates knowledge of, or ability to learn, quality/continuous improvement.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles, techniques, practices and ethics of Social Work.
• Demonstrates knowledge of interviewing techniques and skills at conducting interviews.
• Demonstrates knowledge of relevant laws, policies and resources.
• Demonstrates knowledge of social and economic problems and family systems.
• Demonstrates knowledge of legal and court proceedings.
• Demonstrates ability to assess vulnerabilities and strengths of individuals and families.
• Demonstrates ability to develop clear and reasonable services and plans.
• Demonstrates ability to coordinate implementation of services and plans with families, other agencies and the community at large.
• Demonstrates ability to counsel and offer supportive services to individuals and families including those in crisis.
• Demonstrates ability to apply previously acquired knowledge and skills to complex situations.

1. Coordinate client intake.
2. Receive referrals, conduct interviews and investigate to identify and assess problems or need for intervention/service.
3. Develop, write, implement and monitor strength-based individual and family service plans to correct/eliminate identified problems.
4. Determine appropriate resources and referrals to community-based care and services.
5. Develop and implement abuse prevention plans to address vulnerabilities.
6. Determine and implement intervention services.
7. Assess risks to self and others (abuse or neglect and dangerousness).
8. Intervene in crisis situations.
9. Coordinate and secure emergency services.
10. Negotiate and resolve conflicts.
11. Provide client case management.
12. Collaborate and consult with others (professional staff and community agencies) regarding clients, community services or programs.
13. Open and maintain client case records and files according to established standards and timelines.
14. Prepare necessary correspondence, required narratives, eligibility reviews and other incoming/outgoing communication about the client.
15. Provide appropriate information regarding case openings, closings, and denials.
16. Provide testimony or written recommendations in county or district court or in administrative appeal hearings regarding client cases.
17. Advise clients of possible resources, rights and responsibilities under programs or services.
18. Develop, coordinate and deliver program information to the general public, special interest groups and professional organizations.

Performs other duties as assigned. Essential functions: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Semi-sedentary involving office and outside field work. Lifting requirement may include lifting up to 20 pounds. Exposures may include but not be limited to disagreeable odors, communicable diseases, bodily fluids and behavior challenges. Use of general office equipment to include telephone, cell phone, pager, personal computer, laptop computer, electronic recorder, calculator, etc. Additional physical/mental requirements that occur may not be listed above but are inherent in performing the position's essential functions.

This job description is intended to describe the kinds of tasks and level of work difficulty being performed by people assigned to this classification. The list of responsibilities is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. The County retains the discretion to add or change the contents of this job description at any time.