Social Worker - Child Protection Assessor

The Child Protection Assessor's responsibilities include providing intensive social work services for the protection, rehabilitation and care of children; performs highly critical social work assignments in voluntary and non-voluntary child protective service cases. This will be an assessment only position focused on investigation and assessment of neglect and abuse.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities
Duties listed are normal for this position.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.
Position Duties 

• Interview prospective clients at intake.
• Perform home visits to determine needs of individuals and families for services.
• Determine if services to children and families are needed.
• Conduct child protection assessments/investigations.
• Cooperate with local law enforcement and correction agencies in child abuse and neglect cases.
• Interpret child protective services and child welfare laws pertaining to dependency and neglect.
• Maintain case records which meet federal, state and local guidelines.
• Make child care institutional and foster home placements.
• Provide preventative services to the dependent and neglected child.
• Consult with psychiatrists, psychologists and attorneys in connection with case objectives.
• Prepare information and recommendations in connection with court cases and proceedings.
• Testify in court proceedings.
• Interpret and implement judicial findings and court orders.
• Refer and participate in family group decision making sessions with clients.
• Provide public information on social service programs to the community and special groups.

 
Non-Essential Functions

• Attend weekly unit meetings and monthly staff meetings.
• Perform job related duties as assigned or apparent.

Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Social Work or Human Services-related field plus one year of professional work experience required or;
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job.

 Required Certifications/Licenses

• Valid Minnesota driver’s license with proof of insurance.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Knowledge of individual and group behavior.
• Knowledge of current principles and practices of social work case management as they apply to the treatment of major behavior problems.
• Knowledge of the causative factors leading to social maladjustment.
• Knowledge of the social-economic factors, which promote stable family life and an understanding of the elements, which affect family security.
• Knowledge of the child welfare laws relating to dependency, neglect and delinquency.
• Knowledge of the techniques of child placement with emphasis on the complete participation of the parent or guardian.
• Knowledge and skills of technical social work, casework and community resources.
• Knowledge and skills of child development, family systems, the dynamics of abuse and issues of separation.
• Knowledge and skills of legal procedures, court system, mental health and medical practices.
• Knowledge of Department of Human Services (DHS) rules and regulations.
• Ability to plan, assesses, and make decisions under pressure.
• Ability to tolerate high levels of stress.
• Ability to make independent judgments with minimal consultation.
• Ability to communicate with and understand the problems faced by families from all cultural and economic levels.
• Ability to work with a wide variety of families and cultures.
• Time management skills.

Relationships

• Families needing protective services or requesting child welfare services to determine safety of children, risks of abuse or neglect, and strengths and needs.
• County Attorney, court personnel, and probation to initiate placements, provide case information, testify, and recommend case disposition.

 Supervisory Responsibilities

• No direction supervision of employees.

Working Conditions

• Work is mainly performed in client's homes and agency.
• Frequent travel may involve exposure to inclement weather conditions, unsanitary conditions in homes and unsafe environments.
• Direct service provision may require dealing with persons who are hostile, aggressive, abusive or threatening.
   

Physical Requirements Of This Position

• Desk work involving use of a computer, telephone, and other devices.
• Communicate effectively with County staff, families needing protective services, County Attorney, court personnel, and probation.
• Ability to read screens and documents.
• Ability to drive in various light and weather conditions.
• Ability to type and use a computer or mobile device.
• Office work may include reaching for documents, grasping documents, standing, walking, and repetitive motions.
• Lift and carry files and material weighing up to 25 pounds.

 
Equipment Required to Perform This Job

• Computers
• Telephones
• Mobile devices
• Motor vehicles

Additional Notes

• All positions at McLeod County are subject to a background check.  This may include, but is not limited to, the following checks:  criminal history, credit, driver’s license, pre-employment physical assessment, pre-employment drug and alcohol screening and psychological testing.