Social Worker- Child Protection Investigative Assessment

POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive
DEPARTMENT: Social Services
HOURS: Full-time
PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $67,643 - $76,099/year (108 Salary grade)
FULL SALARY RANGE: $67,643 - $105,693/year
LOCATION: Hybrid; telework and in-person at the Western Service Center, Apple Valley
UNION: AFSCME 306
CLOSE DATE: 4:30pm on 6/11/2025

Come join us at Dakota County and "Be more". Dakota County employs over 2,000 skilled individuals whose talents and contributions makes Dakota County a premier place to live and work. The work County government does is unique. Dakota County offers important careers - the kind of careers that make a difference in people's lives.

Dakota County welcomes and is inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and perspectives. The County aims to reflect the community and clients it serves and fosters an equitable and respectful working environment where everyone is empowered to be their authentic selves.

This position is responsible for investigating child abuse and neglect reports.

* Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology or related Human Services field
AND
* One year full-time professional experience in a social services agency OR Two years full-time para-professional experience in a social services agency.
AND
* Valid Driver's License

Preferred education beyond minimum qualifications:
Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or related field.

Preferred experience beyond minimum qualifications:
Forensic interviewing or experience in a child protection agency

*Pursuant to Dakota County Policy, this position is designated as Safety Sensitive. "Safety-sensitive position" means a position, including any supervisory or management position, in which impairment caused by drug, alcohol, or cannabis use would threaten the health and safety of any person as defined in Minnesota Statutes Section 181.950, subdivision 13.

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this class.

1. Assess/investigate reports of child physical and sexual abuse and neglect
2. Conduct child forensic interviews using approved protocols
3. Collaborate with the various professions/agencies that may be encountered during an assessment such as: medical and mental health, law enforcement, attorneys, courts, other County social service staff, etc.
4. Effectively engage individuals and families to assess and evaluate needs and strengths, including child safety and risk.
5. Coordinate and provide services and advocacy to clients and families.
6. Facilitate access to community resources on behalf of the client.
7. Apply knowledge of relevant policies, procedures, and statutes and professional practice.
8. Complete agency, state, and federal required documentation as related to client activity according to mandated timelines.
9. Ability to work flexible schedule in response to emergency case assignments, clients availability, and other work related duties that may result in working outside the normal business hours.
10. Ability to present to the general public about child protection statutes and child protection practices specific to Dakota County
11. Testify in court (criminal, family, juvenile), prepare court documents and work with families involved in the court process
12. Assess requests for child welfare matters. Assist in obtaining/providing any identified services.

• Knowledge of human development, family dynamics and systems, including crisis management and cultural competency.
• Knowledge of community resources and funding sources.
• Knowledge of medical diagnoses, medications, and basic medical terminology, as well as medical insurance processes and procedures.
• Knowledge of statutes, rules, and policies pertaining to social work and the ability to research the same.
• Comprehensive knowledge of computer software and information systems.
• Interviewing, gathering information, problem solving, safety planning, negotiation, and listening skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize responsibilities
• Ability to engage with, listen or, and interact with persons (being served and co-workers) effectively
• Demonstrates an understanding of and respect for the diversity of customers, co-workers, and supervisors, including individuals with a disability or whose first language may be other than English.