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General Description
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POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive DEPARTMENT: Social Services
HOURS: Full-time
PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $73,515 - $91,894/year (Salary Grade 108)
FULL SALARY RANGE: $73,515 - $114,868/year
LOCATION: Hybrid; telework and in person at the Western Service Center, Apple Valley
UNION: AFSCME 306
CLOSE DATE: Friday, May 15, 2026, at 4:30pm
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.
The Ongoing Children and Family Services Children's Mental Health Social Workers are responsible for ongoing casework for children's mental health cases in Dakota County. The position involves coordination and collaboration with families, schools, law enforcement, court, and service providers.
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Minimum Qualifications
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- A bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, sociology, or human services
AND
- One year of full-time professional experience working in a social services agency
OR
- Two years of full-time paraprofessional experience working in a social services agency
AND
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- A minimum of one year of experience in children and family services or children's mental health case management
- Fluency in Spanish
- Experience working with diverse cultures
- Previous experience in a county social service agency
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Duties & Responsibilities
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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 classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.
- Assesses individual strengths, needs, and family dynamics.
- Works with children and families in a variety of situations, including special education, truancy, runaways, chemical dependency, abuse, neglect, and general family conflicts.
- Refers clients to community providers for services.
- Demonstrates a commitment to support cultural diversity County wide, actively supports the County's inclusion, diversity and equity initiatives, and works to address the needs of diverse and underserved communities.
- Monitors and verifies services received by individuals and families and develops reports and resources as needed.
- Completes administrative tasks involving case plans and other legally mandated or best practices.
- Establishes positive relationships with parents and children and works collaboratively with community agencies.
- Perform other duties as related or assigned.
Essential Functions: 1-7
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Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment
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- 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, negotiation, and listening skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is performed via telework/remote, in a County office building, families' homes and community locations. Lifting requirement of up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis. Lifting requirement up to 24 pounds on a frequent basis. Types of equipment used include computer, telephone, copy/fax machines, and other office equipment.
SELECTION PROCESS
- You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
- We assign you a score based on your qualifications
- Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
- We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer
- We extend an offer and conduct background checks
BENEFITS
- Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits
- Excellent work-life balance
- Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year)
- Eleven paid holidays each year and one floating holiday
- Pension with a generous employer contribution
- Ability to work from home some of the time
Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware working environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.
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