Social Worker-CPS

Recruitment will remain open until filled, with weekly application review. First review on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

Social Worker – Child Protective Services

Social Services

Full‑Time; 37.5 hours per week.

Beginning salary: $33.42 per hour ($65,169 annually). Upon anniversary, step increases to $83,694. Cost‑of‑living adjustments applied per the current collective bargaining agreement.

The Child Protection Social Worker promotes the safety, permanency, and well‑being of children by assessing abuse and neglect reports, developing service plans, and providing ongoing case management. The role collaborates with children, families, community partners, legal professionals, and multidisciplinary teams to identify risks, strengthen protective factors, and support positive outcomes while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies.

• Conduct complex case evaluations to assess risk, maltreatment, and problems, and determine appropriate action.
• Develop individualized safety plans with families to address immediate safety concerns.
• Assist clients in a person‑centered and culturally appropriate manner with assessments and ongoing services.
• Prepare, review, and revise safety/service plans with clients.
• Coordinate community resources for effective referrals and interventions.
• Participate in training to increase knowledge of social work processes and specific program areas.
• Seek court intervention when needed; prepare reports, testify, and implement court orders.
• Consult with professionals across disciplines—medicine, education, mental health—to inform case management decisions.
• Interpret programs for clients and refer them to appropriate community services.
• Communicate verbally and in writing with families, service providers, professionals, and the court system.
• Act as liaison with community and referral services.
• Maintain case records meeting federal, state, and local statutory requirements.
• Participate in team meetings, agency staff meetings, county meetings, and trainings.
• Comply with all rules and policies to maintain a safe work environment.
• Demonstrate reliable, predictable attendance and punctuality.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Employees may encounter private or confidential information. Access is limited to job‑related needs, and data must be stored, disposed of, or restricted in accordance with Minnesota’s Data Practices Act.

Education
A Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, or a closely related field, or a Bachelor’s degree from any discipline with one year of social work experience in a public or private agency.

Experience
See education minimum requirements.

Licenses and Other Requirements
Valid Minnesota driver’s license or ability to obtain one upon employment start.

• Interviewing and recording techniques in social work.
• Understanding of individual and group behavior.
• Knowledge of social casework objectives, principles, and methods.
• Awareness of socioeconomic factors affecting family stability.
• Principles of community organization.
• Understanding of physical/mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities, and substance use disorders.
• Knowledge of social welfare research methods.
• Understanding of family systems and dynamics.
• Application of casework knowledge and skills.
• Team collaboration within agency and community settings.
• Coordination of community resources for special needs.
• Time management and caseload prioritization.
• Effective oral and written communication.

• Completion of Minnesota Child Protection/Child Welfare Orientation and Foundations training.
• Knowledge of Indian Child Welfare Act, Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act, and culturally responsive practices.
• Proficiency with Minnesota Social Services Information System (SSIS) and electronic case documentation.
• Experience with CHIPS proceedings, court testimony, report writing, permanency planning, and collaboration with legal professionals.
• Knowledge of federal and…