Social Worker I, Child Protection, Family & Children Services Division, Human Services Department

Salary

Stearns County Mission: Provide Exceptional Public Services to Assure a Safe, Healthy, Vibrant County for All.
Stearns County Values: Professional | Approachable | Responsive | Collaborative | Fair & Equitable

Stearns County is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, public assistance status, veteran status, disability or sexual orientation.

It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

Hiring Range for Experienced County Social Workers: $33.95 - $40.53/hourly
 
Stearns County derives strength from the diversity of its workforce and provides a welcoming environment where all are respected and valued. We are seeking an individual to join our team in the delivery of case management services for children and families. This challenging and rewarding position offers you the opportunity to use your lived experiences, cultural competencies, and experience collaborating with diverse populations to make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities in Stearns County. If you are driven by a desire to be a part of a solution-focused and fast paced team environment, this is your opportunity for a hybrid work environment and a meaningful career in public service.

For additional information regarding a career as a Child Protection Social Worker, view the Realistic Job Preview Video: Realistic Job Preview of Child Protection Work in Minnesota
 
County employees are provided a comprehensive benefit package, contributions to a Pension Plan, and generous time off. Refer to our Benefits Overview. We value professional development opportunities and Social Worker I’s have an opportunity to advance to Social Worker II through a career ladder process.

Position Objective
To provide social work and case management services. This position is responsible for identifying needs and developing case plans for children and families involving complex social problems.
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities 
These examples do not include all possible responsibilities in this position and do not limit the assignment of related duties to this classification.
 
1. Provides case management services by assessing, planning, and authorizing provisions of services in accordance with respective laws, rules, and department policies.
2. Completes assessments of individual and family strengths and needs to develop, implement, and maintain service plans.
3. Maintains complete, accurate, and up-to-date client records to effectively document case activity and support case decisions.
4. Coordinates and plans for emergency situations and placements outside the home as needed.
5. Assesses and refers individuals, families, and children to appropriate community services.
6. Drafts materials for referral and review by the County Attorney's Office; testifies in court as necessary.
7. Conducts client visits at locations including but not limited to homes and offices.
8. Coordinates and collaborates within the department and with community service providers.
9. Advocates for client needs and resources within department framework.

10. Monitors client progress toward established service goals.
11. Represents the unit or division in committee assignments and interactions with community groups for service provision and program planning.
12. Provides training and mentoring to new staff and interns.
13. Completes intake and screening within established DHS response time parameters.
14. Attends work regularly and in a timely manner.
15. Performs other duties as assigned or appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications
In order to be considered for this position, applicants must possess the following:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in social work, psychology, sociology or closely related field

• One year of related experience involving the well-being of others such as in a community-based organization, educational setting, healthcare, or other human services related organization or completion of a County Social Work Internship

• Valid Minnesota Driver's License or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment  

• Reliable means of transportation and be able to travel to multiple locations around Stearns County, some of which may not be accessible by public transportation

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
1. Knowledge of social service programs and operations.
2. Knowledge of laws and ethics pertaining to data privacy.
3. Knowledge of socio-economic factors that promote stable family life.
4. Knowledge of the courts system.
5. Knowledge of and skilled in providing mental health related services.
6. Ability to utilize effective interviewing techniques.
7. Ability to analyze complex situations and evaluate potential for improvement.
8. Ability to organize and prioritize a high volume workload in an efficient manner.
9. Ability to work independently and follow directions and guidelines.
10. Ability to seek out resources and information.
11. Ability to establish and maintain accurate records.
12. Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.

Accountabilities Shared by all Employees
1. Consistently performs job responsibilities with a positive attitude and in a manner consistent with the County’s mission and values.
2. Develops and maintains a respectful and collaborative professional relationship with all County employees and the public we serve.
3. Values and respects the diversity each employee brings to the organization.
4. Develops and maintains knowledge and understanding of all department and County-wide policies, protocols and procedures that apply to the performance of this position.
5. Complies with all rules and policies to maintain a safe work environment.
 
Work Environment and Physical Demands
The primary responsibilities for this position will be performed approximately 100% of the time indoors in a hybrid work environment. May require moderate travel to off-site locations and minimal attendance at evening meetings. Will have infrequent exposure to health hazards and accidents; requires a low level of physical effort. All employees are required to reside within the state of Minnesota. 
 
Extent of Supervision or Guidance Provided
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Human Services Supervisor.
 
Responsibility for Public Contact
Frequent.

Hours of Work
Normal work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; may include some hours outside of normal work hours on occasion. Potential for a hybrid work environment and flexible work hours.
 
Interview Date

If you are selected to be interviewed for this position, interviews will be held on July 23, 2026. Invitations to interview will be sent to the email address listed on the job application and will be based upon an assessment of education and experience.

Benefits

To view Stearns County benefits go to: Stearns County Benefits Page

If you require special accommodations to participate in the Stearns County hiring process, please contact us at 320-656-3606.