Social Services Specialist County-Wide

We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Social Services Specialist within the Economic Services and Supports division of Public Health and Human Services. The para‑professional responsibilities for this role will include various tasks such as child support case management, customer service duties related to public assistance, filing, scanning, assisting with applications, processing child support payments, managing initial payments for MA EPD, providing support for EBT card issuance and troubleshooting, and overseeing appointment check‑ins, among other responsibilities.

The salary range reflected is the normal hiring range for 2025. The full salary range, including longevity pay, is $23.04 - $31.69 per hour.

Please Note:

Current vacancies exist in Duluth and Virginia. This list will be used to fill future vacancies in Duluth and on the 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.

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

Supplemental Questions will be 100 % of the scoring process: points will be awarded based on the applicant’s 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.

• December 22, 2025 – Applicant screening will begin
• Week of January 5, 2026 – Supplemental question scoring to be completed
• Week of January 19, 2026 – Interviews to be conducted

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://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

If you are eligible to apply for Veterans Preference, please attach to your application a copy of the documents listed for the option that applies to you:

• Veteran: DD214 noting character of service
• Disabled Veteran: DD214 and compensable disability award letter issued within the last 6 months.
• Spouse of Disabled Veteran: DD214 and compensable disability award letter issued within the last 6 months and 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…