EXCITING NEW CAREER OPPORTUNITY!
BENTON COUNTY NOW HIRING: SOCIAL WORKER CHILD PROTECTION/CHILD SERVICES
JOIN OUR CP/INTAKE/ASSESSMENTS UNIT TEAM!
Benton County is actively recruiting for a full-time Social Worker position within the Human Services Department, specifically in the Child Protection/Intake/Assessments Unit. This role focuses on child protection/children's services and family assessment duties, along with related responsibilities to support the safety and well-being of children and families in the community.
Wage: The intended hiring range for this position is $31.61 to $33.95 per hour, dependent on qualifications and directly related experience.
For more information about the Benton County Human Services Department and its Social Services Units, please VISIT HERE.
Interview Process:
Initial interviews may be conducted
by phone or in person on a date to be determined. Please
monitor your email for updates and scheduling information.
Location:
Benton County Human Services Department - Door number 5
Application Deadline:
Monday, June 15, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.
View Full Job Description and Apply: Benton County Career Opportunities
Please note: A bachelor’s degree is required for this position. Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree at the time of application or obtain it before an offer of employment to meet the minimum qualifications.
Applicants may attach an unofficial college transcript to their application, which may assist during the application review process.
If selected for hire, an official, sealed college transcript must be submitted to the Human Resources Department for verification.
Please Note: This Child Protection/Child Services Case Management position may require work outside of normal business hours.
The primary caseload for this Social Worker position will focus on Child Protection Family Assessments. This is a full-time position with a standard departmental schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
This position is required to participate in the on-call rotation for approximately two weeks per year. Additional compensation is provided for on-call assignments.
To Learn More About Child Protection Work and The Programs, Resources, And Services Within Child Protection, Please CLICK HERE To Visit the DHS Minnesota Department of Human Services Child Protection Page.
To Learn More About Family Assessment Response Work, Please CLICK HERE To Visit the DHS Minnesota Department of Human Services Family Assessment Response (FAR) Page.
To Gain Knowledge of What It Really Means to Be a Social Worker Within a Child Protection Unit in Minnesota, Please CLICK HERE To View Child Protection Work in Minnesota: A Realistic Job Preview.
Position Summary
The Social Worker’s primary purpose is to ensure the health and safety of individuals we serve while providing person-centered planning aimed at enhancing their quality of life, increasing happiness, promoting independence, and supporting autonomy. In this role, the Social Worker must determine eligibility for county-coordinated and monitored programs and support clients in making informed decisions about available services. Eligibility determination includes, but is not limited to, conducting required assessments and collecting financial and other relevant information necessary to complete the process.
Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Functions
A. Assess clients to determine individual needs and establish treatment/service goals.
B. Maintain caseload and provide ongoing case management, including crisis management.
C. Effectively interview and engage clients to assess and evaluate needs.
C. 1. Interview and counsel clients.
C. 2. Make field visits to clients’ homes.
C. 3. Explain policies, regulations, and programs to clients and the public.
C. 4. Provide immediate response in crisis situations to maintain the safety of clients and the community.
D. Develop, complete assessments and documentation, including but not limited to social histories, home assessments, and individual or family service plans to treat identified problems. Determine individual needs and eligibility for a multitude of programs (county, state, and federal). Prepare intensive long or short-term treatment plans.
E. Manage individual clients or families to explore, identify, resolve, prevent, or control problems.
F. Complete the required paperwork and documentation as related to client activity according to mandated timelines.
F. 1. Prepare and maintain case records that meet federal, state, and local guidelines.
G. Attend Court hearings as required.
H. Update client information (SSIS).
I. Generate case plans and assessments to outline the needs, current functioning levels, and expectations of clients.
J. Interpret policies and regulations to clients.
K. Provides casework services for the rehabilitation and care of clients.
L. Facilitate access and provide information to individuals upon request, and/or refer them to appropriate community services/resources.
M. Follow through with treatment/service plans.
N. Monitor progress toward goals and objectives.
O. Perform intake as assigned.
O. 1. Prepare and maintain case records that meet federal, state, and local guidelines.
P. Handle on-call responsibilities on a rotating basis with other social workers.
P. 1. Available to respond to weekend, holiday, or crisis situations, on-call as scheduled.
Q. Other duties as assigned.
Additional Functions
A. Maintains accurate client records in the computer system, prepares reports, and submits to proper personnel and/or agencies.
B. Prepares and maintains progress notes, narrative summaries, reports, and other required case documentation in the file and SSIS.
C. Collaborates and consults with multidisciplinary and multi-agency teams to achieve desirable outcomes for clients.
D. Attends continuing education programs and participates in in-service training.
E. Maintains knowledge of best practices in the profession.
F. Works closely with law enforcement and county attorney staff in the development and follow-up of court cases.
G. Consult with other agency units/workers when services/needs overlap with programs.
H. Maintain professional boundaries.
I. Function as a contributing and productive member of the unit and agency by attending and participating in meetings.
J. Provide community education and other associated duties as assigned.
K. Participate and comply with social services on-call systems.
L. Be available for consultations and other crisis interventions during non-office hours.
M. Maintain a paperless system for record keeping.
N. Performs other duties as assigned or apparent.
Addendum – Social Worker Child Protection/Child Services
A. Provide professional social worker services involved in assessments, evaluations, and implementation of child protection service plans to assist clients and ensure the safety of children.
B. Communicate effectively with community partners, including law enforcement, mental health, school, medical, and court professionals.
C. Ensure the immediate safety and well-being of children.
D. Review reports of alleged cases of neglect or abuse.
E. Screen to see if it meets maltreatment guidelines.
F. Make field visits to clients’ homes.
G. Manage safety planning and placement of children outside the home.
H. Direct care of children.
I. Supervises supervised visits.
J. Transports clients and children.
K. Completes relative searches.
L. Manage the Parent Support Outreach Program (PSOP) to assist at-risk clients with voluntary services by providing connections to community organizations.
L. 1. Address concerns impacting families, such as poverty, substance abuse, domestic violence, behavioral health concerns, and a past history of abuse or neglect.
L. 2. Reduce childhood abuse and neglect by providing clients with the resources they need.
Additional Minimum Qualifications
A. Must complete Child Protection Foundations Training within six months of hire.
B. Must complete a minimum of 15 additional hours of continuing education annually.
C. Must complete Child and Restraint Systems (CARS) Training before transporting children.
D. Must complete Forensic Interviewing Training within six months of hire (CPS Investigations).
E. Must demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral formats.
Addendum – Social Worker Adoption
A. To locate and support adoptive parents.
B. Advise and consult with Child Protection case managers on permanency issues.
C. Support parents through the Report to Court post.
D. Complete parent home studies through ICPC and supervise placement if approved.
E. Complete all Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS)-required permanency paperwork.
F. Complete Northstar Adoption or Northstar Kinship Assistance paperwork.
Additional Minimum Qualifications
A. Must complete Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Foundations Training within six months of hire.
B. Must complete Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Permanency Training within one (1) year of hire.
C. Must complete the Permanency and Adoption Competency Certification (PACC) Training within two (2) years of hire.
Addendum – Social Worker Intake
A. Maintain the safety, permanency, and well-being of children in Benton County.
B. Take child protection reports over the phone and write them up.
C. Write up child protection intake reports from law enforcement, hospitals, educators, and other mandated reporters.
D. Check MGA, Maxis, and SSIS for history regarding new intakes.
E. Take Behavioral Health Fund (BHF) and Commitment requests.
F. Write up child and adult mental health intakes.
G. Communicate effectively with community partners, including law enforcement, mental health, school, medical, and court professionals.
H. Screen to see if reports meet maltreatment guidelines. Intake is responsible for screening out reports, cross-reporting to law enforcement, and sending mandated reporter letters.
I. Provide community resources to residents.
J. Ability to effectively communicate in writing and orally.
Additional Minimum Qualifications
A. Must complete a minimum of 15 hours of continuing education annually.
Addendum – Social Worker Adult and Child Mental Health
A. Performs duties for adult and child mental health-targeted case management. Adult duties include case management for voluntary and civilly committed clients.
B. Coordinate with mental health, housing, medical, educational, and vocational providers.
C. Monitor client compliance with terms of court orders, provisional discharges, and report to the courts, Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), and State Forensics Services to ensure the safety of the client and community members.
D. Create strategies to improve and monitor attendance to avoid court action.
E. Make mental health referrals.
F. Coordinate mental health services for clients.
G. Obtain resource information and provide it to clients.
H. Serve as members of the commitment screening team and are responsible for deciding whether a client is referred to the county attorney for civil commitment.
I. Make decisions about whether clients are revoked from provisional discharges and stays of commitment.
J. Provide crisis intervention work with suicidal clients.
K. Research to find placement options for clients.
Additional Minimum Qualifications
A. Must obtain Rule 79 Certification within one (1) year of hire.
B. Must complete a minimum of 15 hours of mental health training annually.
Addendum – Social Worker Licensing
A. Monitor license timelines for current providers and training timelines for current providers.
B. Provide support and oversight for licensed foster care and family childcare providers.
C. Prepare and review paperwork for licensing renewals on and off years.
D. Complete childcare assistance visits and background checks.
E. Coordinate background studies through Net Study systems for all household members over 13 and substitute caregivers.
F. Provide support with investigations into complaints and violations of licensing statutes.
G. Ensure MN statute and rules governing licensed foster care.
H. Assist providers through the initial licensing process and investigate complaints and violations of licensing statutes.
I. Coordinate visits and inspections to maintain licenses.
J. Complete investigations of foster care and family childcare sites.
K. Follow up with the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) to ensure procedures are followed to implement consequences for licensing violations.
L. Coordinate and implement strategies for recruitment and appreciation of foster providers and facilitation of support meetings.
M. Licensors participate and/or facilitate regional and state resource/consultation meetings.
N. Monitor cases and review for Rule 13 compliance by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). These audits occur every two years for family childcare and every four years for foster care programs.
O. Coordinate and complete unannounced visits on an annual basis to maintain licenses in childcare, use the ELICI checklist, and ensure compliance with rules.
P. Follow up with the state licensing office to ensure procedures are followed to implement consequences for licensing violations when necessary.
Additional Minimum Qualifications
A. Must complete Fire Marshall inspection training every four (4) years.
B. Must complete Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS)-required licensor training within the first six months of employment.
C. Licensors must complete a minimum of six (6) hours of licensing-related training annually.
Addendum – Social Worker Adult Protection
A. Protect and promote safety, independence, and quality of life for vulnerable adults.
B. Assist in providing safe environments for adults.
C. Petition the court to establish emergency and full guardianship/conservatorship as directed by the courts/judicial district.
D. Conduct Adult Protection Investigation as assigned.
D. 1. Assess individuals' health, risk, and safety.
D. 2. Provide immediate crisis response to ensure the safety of clients in the community.
D. 3. Assist in establishing guardianship or conservatorship when necessary to protect vulnerable adults.
Additional Minimum Qualifications
A. Adult Protection training must be completed within one (1) year of hire, followed by a minimum of eight (8) hours of continuing Adult Protection training annually.
Addendum – Adult Protection/Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) Coordinator
A. Coordinate services for Community First Services and Supports recipients.
B. Protect and promote safety, independence, and quality of life for vulnerable adults.
C. Assist in providing safe environments for adults.
D. Petition the court to establish emergency and full guardianship/conservatorship as directed by the courts/judicial district.
E. Conduct Adult Protection Investigation as assigned.
E. 1. Assess individuals' health, risk, and safety.
E. 2. Provide immediate crisis response to ensure the safety of clients in the community.
E. 3. Assist in establishing guardianship or conservatorship when necessary to protect vulnerable adults.
Additional Minimum Qualifications
A. Adult Protection training must be completed within one (1) year of hire, followed by a minimum of eight (8) hours of continuing Adult Protection training annually.
Addendum – Social Worker Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
A. Waiver case management services to individuals who are eligible for Alternative Care, Elderly Waiver, Community Alternative Care, Community Access for Disability Inclusion waiver, Developmental Disability Waiver, Rule 185, Community First Services and Supports, Family Support Grant, Semi-Independent Living Services, Relocation Services, and Essential Community Support, includes but is not limited to:
A. 1. Evaluate and determine services needed to support health and safety for individuals with disabilities or the aging population.
A. 2. Educate individuals receiving services, family members, and community providers of services available through waiver programs.
A. 3. Develop a person-centered care plan.
A. 4. Coordinate referrals and services. Assist with access and navigation of social, health, educational, vocational, housing, and other community support and services.
A. 5. Manage individual service plan budgets within state guidelines and cost-effectiveness.
A. 6. Monitor the quality and effectiveness of services provided through waiver funding for the safety and well-being of the person receiving the services.
B. Develop, revise, and update internal agency policies and procedures for Waiver Case Management as assigned.
Additional Minimum Qualifications:
A. Must complete the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Person-Centered Support Plan Training within one (1) year of hire.
B. Must complete a minimum of twenty (20) hours of annual training in case management or developmental disabilities.
B. 1. Required education and training must include: person-centered planning, informed choice, cultural competency, employment planning, community living planning, self-direction options, use of technology support, and Getting to Work: A Case Manager's Guide to Supporting Employment.
DD Case Management Only:
A. Must have a minimum of one (1) year of experience in the education or treatment of individuals with developmental or related conditions, or completion of at least one course specifically focused on developmental disabilities.
Addendum – Social Worker MnCHOICES Assessor
A. Determine individual needs and eligibility for a multitude of county, state, and federal programs through MnCHOICES assessments.
B. Take on projects assigned to develop, revise, and update policies and procedures.
C. Attend MnCHOICES meetings with local counties.
D. Prepare for, respond to, and represent Benton County at court appeal hearings.
E. Complete all paperwork included with the MnCHOICES Assessment.
F. Complete the residential service plan if the person is living in a customized living setting and will be accessing Elderly Waiver (EW).
G. Determine an individual’s needs and eligibility for eleven (11) different counties, state, and federal programs.
H. Provide professional, accurate, and timely assessments for clients to determine individual needs.
Additional Minimum Qualifications
A. MnCHOICES Certification must be completed within six months of hire.
B. Maintain MnCHOICES Certification by completing recertification requirements every three (3) years.
C. Knowledge of Maxis, MMIS, SMRT, and MnCHOICES Revised Tool.
Addendum – Social Worker Homeless Outreach
A. Connect chronically homeless individuals with housing and available housing streams to support housing.
B. Develop and maintain a community housing resource list.
C. Develop relationships with community property owners to assist in increasing housing options for hard-to-place individuals.
D. Screen for basic needs and assist with referral services to community living resources that meet individual client needs and choices.
E. Assist clients with the application process to secure housing.
F. Work collaboratively in several multi-disciplinary teams such as BCAT, CAMHI, and other housing-related groups.
G. Provide information and referral services to individuals from diverse populations both in the jail and in the community for housing, mental health, and chemical health issues.
H. Complete jail duties as assigned.
I. Respond to Mental Health calls as requested.
J. Provide daily needs supplies to clients.
K. Coordinate point in time (PIT) count.
L. Data entry as required by grants.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
A. Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, sociology, or a related field.
B. Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to drive in the state of Minnesota.
C. Must successfully complete a background check.
D. Obtain and maintain certifications and licensures.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
A. Ability to maintain, review, and interpret program management reports.
B. Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including data privacy and human services programs.
C. Understanding of basic social work practices and a working knowledge of other units and services within the agency and community resources.
D. Ability to plan, assess, and make decisions under pressure.
E. Ability to use time wisely and efficiently.
F. Determine work priorities and manage workload requirements.
G. Ability to perform the job functions as governed by policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and law.
H. Demonstrate the ability to anticipate and meet realistic time frames and the flexibility to adjust to crisis situations.
I. Demonstrate dedication and conscientiousness in carrying out job responsibilities.
J. Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with clients, colleagues, agency administration, and professionals, and work with the public positively.
K. Ability to work independently.
L. Ability to plan and coordinate workflow for maximum efficiency and effectiveness with a team and with a supervisor.
M. Ability to handle confidential information and follow data practice requirements.
N. Skill with human resource management practices, including training and delegation.
O. Ability to apply professional/managerial principles and judgment within overall goals/direction established by senior management.
P. Considerable analytic ability is needed to select, evaluate, and interpret data from several sources.
Q. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with various internal and external contacts to achieve organizational objectives.
R. Ability to travel within your daily work assignment.
S. Ability to travel within Minnesota, including extended overnight stays.
T. Ability to work extended, evening, and weekend hours as needed.
U. Must comply with organizational and departmental policies.
V. Performs the physical/mental demands of the work environment requirements for this position.
W. Attendance during regularly scheduled work hours, and outside regular hours, as necessary.
X. Effective and respectful communication and interactions with other employees, supervisors, individuals from different organizations, and citizen customers.
Y. Must comply with data practices policies and standards related to private data. Access to private data is limited strictly to what is necessary to perform assigned job duties. While accessing such data, the employee must take reasonable measures to prevent unauthorized access by individuals without a work-related need. Once the work-related purpose has been met, private data must be properly secured and stored in accordance with county policies and Minnesota Statutes.
Physical Demands & Working Conditions
A. Work is performed in the office and the community. Options for telework (when not required to be in the office or the community) may be permitted at the discretion of the Department Head.
B. Positions in this job typically require sitting, walking, standing, driving, talking, hearing, typing, repetitive movement, and seeing.
C. There is exposure to computer keyboards and computer screens.
D. This position is generally light-duty and may require the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force on occasion and the ability to lift, carry, push, pull, and move objects.
E. Working conditions include exposure to odors, chemicals, and unsanitary living conditions of clients.
F. Exposure may include animals, animal odors, animal waste, contagious diseases, or illness.
G. This position is exposed to black mold, direct contact with illicit drugs and/or paraphernalia, and illicit chemical odors.
H. Exposure to potentially violent clients whose behavior may include biting, kicking, spitting, and nudity.
I. Exposure may include clients who are mentally ill, using illegal drugs, intoxicated, or engaged in violent and illegal activities.
J. This position may be exposed to firearms or deadly weapons.
K. This position is frequently exposed to mental effort and stress.
L. This position continuously works under high attention to detail.
Hours of Work
A. Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., may be scheduled to be on call.
Equipment Utilized
A. Office equipment, computer hardware and software, medical equipment, and personal vehicle, county automobile, and phones.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The County Board, County Administrator, or appropriate Elected Official retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.
Benton County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
