About Job

Classification Summary

Freeborn County Department of Human Services is hiring a full time (40 hours per week, Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm) Social Worker-Child Protection Child Welfare Social Worker/Case Manager.

The Social Worker position provides professional level counseling and consultation, investigates abuse and neglect of children and adults, assesses and assists persons with developmental and mental disabilities, and administers a variety of social services to Freeborn County residents.

This position performs at a high rate of stress on an ongoing basis in order to maintain safety within caseloads. This entails coordination of services, coordination of transportation, scheduling visitations, locating placement, making referrals, and assisting in daily emergencies that arise with families served by the County.

This position requires to maintain efficient and effective notes, and include time reporting, accurate case plans, court reports and assessments to ensure that all information is gathered accurately. Must maintain strict confidentiality with all individuals in the case is also needed as well with any communications with collateral contracts.

The Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW) partnered with the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Minnesota Association for County Social Services Administrators (MACSSA) to develop the Minnesota Realistic Job Preview for Child Protection (Linked) Child Protection Services job description video

Application Instructions are in the Examination Process section below.

Examples of Duties

Freeborn County Examples of Duties:
(Note: these are characteristic of the job class, but actual duties will vary depending on assigned duties. An individual incumbent will perform selected duties from this list).

Works and builds relationships with clients in the areas of: Adult Mental Health, Child Mental Health, Adult Services, Developmental Disabilities, and Child Protection.
Refers clients to a variety of support services such as substance abuse providers, family counseling, mental/emotional counseling and parenting skills development.
Drives to and from client's home and/or school. Transports clients to visits, court, and other appointments. Travel often occurs out-of-county and out-of-state with occasional overnights.
Collaborates with other community agencies and resources and refers clients to service providers. This also includes identifying available and developing new resources; coordinating

successful services for clients and families; maintaining contact to monitor client progress to ensure needs are met; and assists clients in arranging transportation.

Develops person-centered case plans with measurable goals, assesses client progress and evaluates service providers.
Documents client's performance by maintaining up-to-date and accurate case notes and functional assessments. In collaboration with client, monitors and evaluates the appropriateness of client's treatment.
Works closely with county attorney's office and court administration. Petitions court when needed and assists in implementing court orders. Attends court proceedings that require attendance and completes all court documents.
Complies with mandated reporting requirements per statutes.
Maintains strict confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and state and federal statutes.
Assists in locating residential and other out-of-home placements for clients.
Coordinates with foster parents/facilities for family visits, court hearings, medical appointments, school/work meetings.
Completes all necessary paperwork and maintains case records to meet federal, state, agency, and court requirements.
Interprets policies and regulations to clients and families.

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in social work, psychology, sociology or closely related field.

A bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in any field and one (1) year of experience as a social worker in a public or private social services agency.

You may apply before graduating, but no more than 60 days prior to receiving your Bachelor's Degree.

Examination Process

The examination will consist of a rating of training and experience based on the information you provide in your application and your responses to the supplemental questions included in the application process. You must read the questions carefully, answer truthfully, and include any experience claimed in your answers to the supplemental questions in the Work Experience section of your application. Any experience claimed in your answers to the supplemental questions but not included in the Work Experience section of you application will not be credited. You will be asked to verify your degree with official transcripts upon hire.

Once your application has been submitted changes cannot be made. If you have a change in location availability or your contact information changes please email dhs.merit.system@state.mn.us with the new information and include your applicant ID.

TWO STEPS ARE REQUIRED TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS VACANCY:

1. Submit a Minnesota Merit System application by applying at this link: 011-OC - County Agency Social Worker - Bachelor's

AND

2. Interested individuals shall also submit a Freeborn County online Application by 12:00 p.m. Friday, February 21, 2025.

Applicants must complete both the Freeborn County and Merit applications to be considered for this position. Completed applications along with cover letter and resume are due by 12:00 pm Friday, September 5, 2025. Please call 507-377-5400 with any questions.