Social Services Specialist I Salary $23.96
62 Hourly Location County-Wide, MN Job Type Permanent, Full-Time Job Number 26-112/931-01 Department Public Health and Human Services Opening Date 08/18/2026 Closing Date 9/1/2026 11:59 PM Central Description Benefits Questions Kind of Work The Economic Services and Supports division of Public Health and Human Services is seeking qualified candidates for the Social Services Specialist I position. This paraprofessional role provides essential support to program staff and the community. Responsibilities include delivering customer service related to public assistance and child support programs, assisting with child support case management tasks, maintaining organized electronic and paper records, supporting program application processes, managing appointment check-in procedures, and performing other assigned administrative and client-support duties. The salary range reflected above is the normal hiring range for 2026. The full salary range, including longevity pay, is $23.96
96 per hour.
Please Note:
The current vacancy is in Duluth. However, this list will be used to fill future vacancies located throughout the county, which includes Duluth and the Iron 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. Distinguishing Features of Work 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. Work Environment 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. Selection Process
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
(Pass/Fail): High school diploma or its equivalent. Possession of a valid driver's license.
RATING SYSTEM
Supplemental Questions will be 100% of the scoring process: Points will be awarded based on the applicants 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.
Please Note:
When answering the supplemental questions on the website, the webpage may time out after 30 minutes. It's recommended you draft your answers in a separate document and copy/paste the answers into the application when you're finished writing. Failure to answer and save all of the questions on the "Supplemental Questions" page within 30 minutes may result in the deletion of your answers by the application system.
TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT & SCREENING PROCESS SCHEDULE
August 19, 2026
- Applicant screening will begin Week of August 31, 2026
- Supplemental question scoring to be completed Week of September 14, 2026
- Interviews to be conducted
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
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://www.stlouiscountymn.gov/jobdescriptions .
VETERANS PREFERENCE
If you are eligible to apply for Veterans Preference, please attach to your application a copy of document(s) listed for the option that applies to you:
Veteran:
DD214 noting character of service
Disabled Veteran:
DD214 & compensable disability award letter issued within the last 6 months.
Spouse of Disabled Veteran:
DD214 & compensable disability award letter issued within the last 6 months & 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 for additional requirements. Click Here .
PHYSICAL-MEDICAL STANDARDS
Qualified applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Applicants selected must meet the physical requirements for the position.
DRUG TESTING
Applicants selected for appointment must take and pass a drug test.
BACKGROUND CHECK
Applicants selected for appointment to a position with St. Louis County are subject to a background investigation.
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION
All new employees must submit documentation verifying identity and employment eligibility within three days of their first day of employment.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD
Appointees to the position must successfully complete at least a six-month probationary period prior to being certified for permanent employment.
NON-DISCRIMINATION
St. Louis County is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer. Eligible St. Louis County employees earn a competitive salary and benefits package, including: Vacation, Sick and Personal Leave Paid Holidays Medical Plan Dental Plan Vision Plan Disability Insurance Life Insurance Flexible Spending Accounts Retirement Benefits Deferred Compensation Training and Advancement Opportunities Employee Assistance Program Employee Resource Groups Employee Wellness Program Pet Insurance Benefits are prorated for part-time employees and administered in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement or management compensation plan. 01 Please type or clearly print your name. 02 The information you provide related to your education, training, and experience is subject to verification. I understand that giving false information, failing to accurately represent myself, or not providing required documentation as listed on the job announcement will result in disqualification. Yes 03 Are you legally authorized to work in the United States for St. Louis County? Yes No 04 All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas, and it does not currently participate in E-Verify. Will you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) to work legally for St. Louis County in the United States? Yes, I will now, or will in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) to work legally for St. Louis County in the United States No, I will not now, or in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) to work legally for St. Louis County in the United States 05 Do you have a valid driver's license? Yes No 06 Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent? Yes No 07 At which St. Louis County location(s) would you be willing to work? (Check all that apply.) Virginia Duluth Hibbing Ely 08
SME Explanation:
Questions 9-12 will be reviewed by a Subject Matter Expert (SME). The questions will be scored and used to help determine 100% of your score. For each question please list the organization(s) and/or employers where you gained the experience. All information listed must also be supported in the work experience section of your application. I have read and understand the instructions given above and acknowledge that I understand my score is derived 100% from my answers to supplemental questions 9-12. Yes No 09 Social Services Specialists work in a fast-paced environment that includes greeting visitors, answering phone calls, gathering information to assess social and economic needs, explaining program requirements, assisting with application procedures, and completing case management tasks. Please describe your formal education, training and/or work experience that has prepared you for this role. 10 Describe your paid work experience using computer software to prepare and maintain records and written reports. Please include the types of records and reports, the software programs used, and the organization(s) and job title(s) listed on your application. 11 Describe a work experience or incident that showcases your ability to assess and respond to a difficult situation. In your response, outline the situation, key considerations, and the outcome. 12 Describe your approach to providing consistent, high-quality customer service in a busy environment. 13 I certify that my responses to the questions above are true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. Yes No Required Question Employer St. Louis County, Minnesota Address 100 N 5th Ave. W., Room 1 Duluth, Minnesota, 55802 Phone 218-726-2422 Website http://www.stlouiscountymn.gov
