Social Worker, Family Advocacy & Support Services

Position Summary
Under direction, performs work in providing social work services on cases involving complex social problems and social treatment plans; performs responsible and difficult casework, directs service programs or provides work direction to paraprofessional staff; and performs related work as assigned.

• Provide information, referrals, and case management services to individuals and conduct comprehensive initial and on‑going assessment interviews to evaluate individuals’ physical, economic, educational, and mental background; develop case plans and make recommendations for clients in assigned program areas.
• Gather and compile evidence and data required to complete documentation for court appeals and dispositional review hearings.
• Conduct regular assessments and maintain regular client contact via phone, home visits, office visits, or site visits with other agencies involved in the case plan.
• Implement solutions and interventions which includes monitoring and evaluating clients’ progress in meeting goals and expectations of the case plan; prepare and maintain progress reports.
• Maintain detailed documentation of clients’ participation in case records, on‑going case narratives; compile data for various reports, summaries, and memos; complete mandated State and local forms and adhere to program deadlines.
• Determine if there is documentation indicating the presence of major mental illness.
• Draft internal procedures for assigned programs.
• Evaluate the impact of changes in regulation on programs.

• Evaluate an individual’s need for Level II screening.
• Receive referrals for Preadmission Screening workers.
• Determine need for and refer for diagnostic assessment by a mental health professional.
• Review completed assessments and determine if client is or is not in need of active treatment, and recommend an appropriate course of treatment and care.
• Coordinate services based on eligibility.

• Coordinate with other positions within the department for client services.
• Attend continuing education and training opportunities.
• Conduct Adult Protection Multidisciplinary Team meetings.

• Education: Per the Minnesota Department of Human Services Merit System
  A bachelor's degree from an accredited four‑year college or university with a major in social work, psychology, sociology, or closely related field
  Or a bachelor's degree from an accredited four‑year college or university with a major in any field and one year of experience as a social worker in a public or private social services agency.
• Requirements:
  • Knowledge of the principles and techniques of interviewing and recording in social work and the ability to apply them.
  • Knowledge of individual and group behavior.
  • Knowledge of social casework objectives, principles, and methods.
  • Knowledge of social‑economic factors, which promote stable family life and understanding of the elements, which affect family security.
  • Knowledge of the principles of community organization.
  • Knowledge of physical and mental illnesses.
  • Knowledge of social welfare research methods.
  • Knowledge of family systems and dynamics.
  • Ability to effectively apply casework knowledge and skills.
  • Working ability to work constructively within an agency in the community setting and in effectively utilizing appropriate resources and services.
  • Ability to work constructively in the development and coordination of community resources to meet special needs.
  • Ability to manage time productively.
  • Ability to prioritize caseloads.
  • Valid MN driver’s license.
  • Experience working with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.).
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Travel to clients' and service providers' homes, detention, treatment and residential facilities, schools, courts, and County work sites.
• Engaging with clients in crisis situations that may include suicidal and/or homicidal behavior.
• Frequent travel may…