Social Worker - Child Protection Specialist

The Child Protection Specialist’s responsibilities include providing intensive social work services for the protection, rehabilitation and care of children; performs highly critical social work assignments in voluntary and non-voluntary child protective service cases.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this classification.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned. 

Position Duties 

• Interview prospective clients at intake.
• Conduct home visits to determine needs of individuals and families for services.
• Provide ongoing services to children and families who have been determined in need of protective services.
• Counsel families and individuals
• Cooperate with local law enforcement and correction agencies in child abuse and neglect cases.
• Interpret child protective services and child welfare laws pertaining to dependency and neglect.
• Provide case management services for children in out-of-home placements and non- placement cases.
• Prepare social histories.
• Maintain case records which meet federal, state and local guidelines.
• Make child care institutional and foster home placements.
• Provide preventative services to the dependent and neglected child.
• Consult with psychiatrists, psychologists and attorneys in connection with case objectives.
• Prepare information and recommendations in connection with court cases and proceedings.
• Testify in court proceedings.
• Interpret and implement judicial findings and court orders.
• Undertake intensive long or short- term treatment plans in areas such as family management,
  marital counseling, childcare and development.
• Conduct group sessions with clients.
• Provide public information on social service programs to the community and special groups.
• Provide supervision with input for the design of new programs and services.

  Non-Essential Functions

• Attend weekly unit meetings and monthly staff meetings.
• Perform job related duties as assigned or apparent.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Social Work or Human Services-related field plus one year of professional work experience required or;
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job.  

Required Certifications/Licenses

• Valid driver’s license and ability to maintain such license and proof of insurance.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Knowledge of individual and group behavior.
• Knowledge of current principles and practices of social work case management as they apply to the treatment of major behavior problems.
• Knowledge of the causative factors leading to social maladjustment.
• Knowledge of the social-economic factors, which promote stable family life and an understanding of the elements, which affect family security.
• Knowledge of the child welfare laws relating to dependency, neglect and delinquency.
• Knowledge of the principles of family and marital counseling.
• Knowledge of the techniques of child placement with emphasis on the complete participation of the parent or guardian.
• Knowledge and skills of technical social work, casework and community resources.
• Knowledge and skills of child development, family systems, the dynamics of abuse and issues of separation.
• Knowledge and skills of legal procedures, court system, mental health and medical practices.
• Knowledge of Department of Human Services (DHS) rules and regulations.
• Ability to plan, assesses, and make decisions under pressure.
• Ability to tolerate high levels of stress.
• Ability to make independent judgments with minimal consultation.
• Ability to communicate with and understand the problems faced by families from all cultural and economic levels.
• Ability to work with a wide variety of families and cultures.
• Time management skills.

Relationships

• Families needing protective services or requesting child welfare services to determine safety of children, risks of abuse or neglect, and strengths and needs.
• County Attorney, court personnel, and probation to initiate voluntary placements, provide case information, testify, and recommend case disposition. 

Supervisory Responsibilities 

• No direct supervision of employees.

Working Conditions

• Work is mainly performed in client’s homes and agency.
• Frequent travel may involve exposure to inclement weather conditions, unsanitary conditions in homes and unsafe environments.
• Direct service provision may require dealing with persons who are hostile, aggressive, abusive or threatening.

Physical Requirements Of This Position

• Desk work involving use of a computer, telephone, and other devices.
• Communicate effectively with County staff, families needing protective services, County Attorney, court personnel, and probation.
• Ability to read screens and documents.
• Ability to drive in various light and weather conditions.
• Ability to type and use a computer or mobile device.
• Office work may include reaching for documents, grasping documents, standing, walking, and repetitive motions.
• Lift and carry files and material weighing up to 25 pounds.

Equipment Required to Perform This Job

• Computers
• Telephones
• Mobile devices
• Motor vehicles

Additional Notes

• All positions in McLeod County are subject to a background check. This may include, but not limited to the following checks: criminal history, credit, driver’s license, pre-employment physical, pre-employment drug and alcohol screening, pre-employment psychological testing.