Social Worker-CPS

This recruitment will remain open until filled, with application review dates weekly. The first review of applications will be on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

JOB TITLE

Social Worker-Child Protective Services

DEPARTMENT

Social Services STATUS:

Full-Time; 37.5 Hours/Week.

STARTING SALARY

The starting salary for this position is $33.42 hourly.

JOB OBJECTIVES

The Child Protection Social Worker is responsible for promoting the safety, permanency, and well-being of children by assessing reports of abuse and neglect, developing service plans, and providing ongoing case management services. This position works collaboratively with children, families, community partners, legal professionals, and multidisciplinary teams to identify risks, strengthen protective factors, and support positive outcomes for vulnerable children while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment related to the position. Conducts complex case evaluations to assess risk/maltreatment/problems and determine appropriate action. Develop individualized safety plans with families to address immediate safety concerns. Assist clients in a person-centered and culturally appropriate manner in receiving appropriate assessment and ongoing services. Prepare safety/service plans; meet with clients regularly to review plans; rewrite plans as appropriate. Know of and interact with community resources to provide effective referral and intervention for clients. Participating in training needed to increase knowledge in social work processes, as well as knowledge of specific program areas. Seek court intervention when needed to protect the health/safety of vulnerable children or adults; prepare reports needed for court; testify in court as may be necessary; implement court orders. Consult with necessary professionals in multiple disciplines such as medicine, education, mental health, and others regarding assessment and case management decisions. Interprets programs to clients, refers clients to appropriate community services. Communicate verbally and in writing with the families, service providers, other professionals, as well as the court system. Act as a liaison with community and referral services. Prepare and maintain case records which meet federal, state, and local statutes/rules. Participate in team meetings, agency staff meetings, county meetings, and trainings. Comply with all rules and policies to maintain a safe work environment. Demonstrate reliable, predictable attendance and punctuality. Perform other duties as assigned. Access to Not Public Data In this job, you may come across private or confidential information about people we serve. This data is protected by law and should only be viewed or used when it's truly needed for your work. You are expected to only look at private data when your job duties require it. Keep it secure and make sure others who don't need to see it don't have access. Stop accessing the data once your task is done, and store or dispose of it properly, following the rules in Minnesota's Data Practices Act (Chapter 13). If your job duties change and you need access to different private data, that access should also be limited to only what you need to do your job.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT HIRE

Education A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university with a major in social work, psychology, sociology, or a closely related field or 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. Experience See the above education minimum requirements. Licenses and Other Requirements A valid Minnesota driver's license or the ability to obtain one upon start of employment.

REQUIRED MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & QUALITIES AT HIRE

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, intellectual disabilities, and substance use disorders. 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. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

PREFERRED / DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Successful completion of Minnesota Child Protection/Child Welfare Orientation and Foundations training. Demonstrated knowledge of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act (MIFPA), and culturally responsive child welfare practices. Proficiency in the Minnesota Social Services Information System (SSIS) and electronic case documentation requirements. Experience with Child in Need of Protection or Services (CHIPS) proceedings, including court testimony, report writing, permanency planning, and collaboration with attorneys, guardians ad litem, and judicial officers. Considerable knowledge of federal and state welfare programs and laws. Knowledge of community resources. Knowledge of criminal statutes relating to child protection.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Public building and working with the public, both in the office and out in the community. May involve regularly interacting with hostile, dangerous, unstable, and/or involuntary clients. Exposure to the elements in the field includes icy roadways, unpaved roads, untrained or aggressive pets, unsanitary/unsafe living conditions, heat, rain, cold, and snow. Circumstances are often unknown until arrival. HOURS Generally, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS CAN INVOLVE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO

Must possess physical dexterity and an ability to climb, crouch, crawl, bend, lift, carry, push, pull, sit, stand, walk, run, etc. Physical abilities are required in making home visits, caring for children, moving clients, etc.; some physical effort is required.

Amount Lifted:

Amount Lifted to 10 lbs.:

Frequent:

=

Range:

2 hrs., 40 min to 5 hrs.,17 min Amount Lifted 11 to 40 lbs.:

Rare:

=

Range:

5 min to 48 min Amount Lifted 41 to 101+ lbs.:

Not Present Amount Pushed or Pulled:

Amount Pushed or Pulled 10 to 101lbs +

Not Present Vision:

Near Vision:

Constant:

=

Range:

5 hrs., 18 min to 8 hours

Far Vision:

Frequent:

=

Range:

2 hrs., 40 min to 5 hrs., 17 min

Depth:

Frequent:

=

Range:

2 hrs., 40 min to 5 hrs., 17 min

Field of Vision:

Rare:

Range:

5 min to 48 min color:inherit: =

Range:

2 hrs., 40 min to 5 hrs., 17 min

Contact With Others:

Works Alone:

Occasional:

Range:

49 min to 2 hrs., 39 min Works with

Others:

Frequent:

=

Range:

2 hrs., 40 min to 5 hrs., 17 min Works around

Others:

Constant:

=

Range:

5 hrs., 18 min to 8 hours

Customer/Public Contact:

Frequent:

=

Range:

2 hrs., 40 min to 5 hrs., 17 min Clients with

Behavior Challenges:

Occasional:

=

Range:

49 min to 2 hrs., 39 min

Talking/Reading:

Constant:

=

Range:

5 hrs., 18 min to 8 hours

Hearing:

Occasional:

=

Range:

49 min to 2 hrs., 39 min

Basic Body Positions:

Sitting:

Frequent:

=

Range:

2 hrs., 40 min to 5 hrs., 17 min

Standing:

Occasional:

=

Range:

49 min to 2 hrs., 39 min

Walking/Moving About:

Frequent:

=

Range:

2 hrs., 40 min to 5 hrs., 17 min

Balancing/Crawling:

Not Present Crouching/Kneeling/Climbing:

Rare:

=

Range:

5 min to 48 min

Motor Skills:

Handling:

Frequent:

=

Range:

2 hrs., 40 min to 5 hrs., 17 min

Grasping/Using Fingers:

Occasional:

Range:

49 min to 2 hrs., 39 min

Reaching:

Occasional:

=

Range:

49 min to 2 hrs., 39 min

Feeling:

Rare:

=

Range:

5 min to 48 min

Driving:

Frequent:

=

Range:

2 hrs., 40 min to 5 hrs., 17 min

Exposures To:

Mechanical/Pressurized/Electrical/Burning Equipment:

Not Present Explosive/ Radiant Energy:

Not Present Moving Equipment:

Occasional:

=

Range:

49 min to 2 hrs, 39 min

Heights:

Not Present Fumes/Odors:

Rare:

=

Range:

5 min to 48 min

Dirt/Dust:

Occasional:

=

Range:

49 min to 2 hrs., 39 min

Gases:

Rare:

=

Range:

5 min to 48 min See also Physical and Environmental Factors Form.

EXAMPLES OF EQUIPMENT USED

Computer, telephone, fax machine, laptop, photocopier, calculator, email, iPad, automobile, GPS, infant/child car seats (installation and use), county vehicles, on-call cell phone and other necessary software including Compass/Compass Copilot, SSIS, Microsoft Office, Tyler Host, MGA, and

MMIS/MAXIS. OTHER

All of the above are essential functions of this job.

SALARY:

The starting salary for this position is $65,169 annually ($33.42/hr). Receive anniversary step increases for current earning potential of $83,694 annually ($42.92/hr). Additionally, receive annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) per the current Collective Bargaining Agreement Benefits- We also offer no-cost/low-cost health insurance plan options. Douglas County contributes to a Health Savings Account and a (PERA) pension plan. Become vested in as little as 3 years of employment for lifetime benefits upon retirement! Douglas County is also a qualified Employer for the Public Sector Loan Forgiveness Program. Life Insurance - as a County employee, you will be covered by $40,000 of life insurance at no expense. Supplemental coverage is available for you, your spouse, and your dependents. The official holidays for this Douglas County position are:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Jr Day
• Presidents' Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Fourth of July
• Labor Day
• Veterans' Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Day after Thanksgiving (in place of Columbus Day)
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day
• Labor Day
• Personal (Floating) Holiday.

Vacations:

Full-Time Employees will accrue vacation according to the following schedule: 0-4 years 10 working days 5-9 years 15 working days 10-14 years 20 working days 15-19 years 25 working days Over 20 years 30 working days

Earned Safe and Sick Time:

An employee shall be credited with 1 day of sick leave for each month of service, accumulative to 90 days. The first 48 hours (or up to 80 hours if any eligible time was carried over) will be counted as ESST.

Supervision Received :

Supervised by Social Services Supervisor.

Supervision Exercised :

Labor Group :

Union -

AFSCME FLSA Status :

Non-Exempt Grade :

10

EEO Job Category :

Professionals Work Comp Code :

8742 This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change. Douglas County offers an exceptional benefits package to full-time employees including vacation, sick, funeral leave, and holiday pay. Also included in this benefit package are health, dental, and life insurance; medical and dependent care reimbursement accounts (Section 125 Plan) and supplemental insurance; deferred compensation plan and Public Employees Retirement (PERA). Benefits may offered on a pro-rata basis or not offered for less than full-time employment.