Applicants must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on June 10th, 2026.
Under general supervision, performs a variety of tasks related to the rendering of appropriate paraprofessional social services; and performs related work as assigned. The work is performed under the direction of a social worker, social service supervisor, financial assistance supervisor, or agency director. This is a full-time position with variable working hours, including working two evenings a week until 7 p.m. and up to two weekends per month.
Provides assistance to social workers on assessment and case management related duties
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Determines eligibility of clients for social services programs, including childcare assistance, and maintains complete and accurate records on client eligibility.
- Reviews case records for completion of required agency forms.
- Explains application procedures to individuals or groups and assists individuals in completing social service application forms.
- Interviews clients to obtain and verify necessary information.
- Makes appropriate referrals to the financial unit and/or other community resources.
- Contacts community resources as assigned.
- Informs clients of the right to appeal and of other rights.
- Performs clerical functions as assigned.
- Performs statistical operations relevant to social service program procedures.
- Assists the social service workers in processing purchase of service contracts.
- Provides supervised visits for children in placement.
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Transports clients as directed by social workers.
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Researches information for questions regarding policy procedures for Social Workers.
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Assess and appropriately respond to requests for information submitted to the agency.
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Composes correspondence and constructs reports as needed.
- Assists social workers and other agency staff with client groups, day care, foster care, and volunteers.
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Assist with drug testing for clients and maintaining drug testing supplies.
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Provides supervised visits for children in placement and documentation related to visitation.
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Provides testimony in CHIPS petitions related to role in Child Protection cases.
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Assists families with applying for Social Security benefits when appropriate.
- Works with Social Security office(s) for recoupment of funds related to out of home placement costs.
- Gathers information and completes Social/Medical histories for children in out of home placement.
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Completes the disposition process for intakes; sends disposition letters to reporters and documents screening and disposition letters in SSIS.
- Reviews and understands the child maltreatment screening guidelines as a participant in the screenings of child maltreatment reports.
- Maintains the Resource Closet with housing supplies; accepts referrals, takes and maintains inventory in the closet.
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Obtains and amends birth certificates, social security cards, and/ or court orders, prepares vouchers for submission to accounting for payments to vendors.
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Attends and participates in unit training.
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Attends training/workshops outside agency as applicable/available.
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Completes DHS web-based training when appropriate.
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Participates in annual individual evaluations.
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Answers co-worker questions: consults with co-workers when needed.
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Reads routed material in a timely manner.
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Researches manual materials; on-line materials.
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Seeks help from DHS and as needed.
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Attends and participates in staff meetings.
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Attends agency meetings.
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Attends Board meetings when requested.
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Assists in completing agency reports.
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Participates in agency reorganization (files, procedures, etc.) as requested.
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Participates in community public relations efforts when requested.
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Completes Random Moment form.
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Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.
While these are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and employees will be called upon to perform a variety of duties as part of their role with the County.
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Knowledge of interviewing techniques and skills in conducting interviews.
- Knowledge of human behavior.
- Knowledge of agency programs, operations, policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of available community resources.
- Knowledge of basic mathematics.
- Ability to relate to people in an appropriate manner.
- Ability to organize and coordinate job activities.
- Ability to accurately and rapidly process detailed information.
- Ability to make decisions.
- Ability to remain objective.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, public, co-workers, and agency administration.
- Ability to establish and maintain accurate and systematic records.
- Ability to express ideas clearly.
- Ability to comprehend written and verbal instructions.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
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Ability to use various computer and software programs.
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Ability to handle confidential information and follow data practices requirements.
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Ability to work under limited supervision with general autonomy in determining how objectives are achieved; supervisors generally set operating benchmarks, goals and objectives.
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Ability to use analytical ability in adapting standard methods to fit facts and conditions, using generally prescribed procedures.
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Ability to effectively communicate with staff, outside agencies and public to relay basic and technical information.
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Requires High School diploma or equivalent and two years relevant experience; or
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Two years post-high school education in a relevant field; or
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Equivalent combination of education and experience
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Office equipment and technology
This position requires light physical duties often associated with office positions. Employee must be physically able to perform the essential job functions of this position including the ability to sit, stand, reach by extending arms, occasionally lift and/or move twenty pounds unassisted, have unrestricted use of the upper body, be able to stoop, kneel or crouch, have corrected or uncorrected hearing and vision within normal ranges, and a clear speaking voice. Noise levels within the workplace are described as moderate. Reasonable accommodations may, at times, be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
The physical demands described here are representative to those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work is performed in an office or other in-door environment. Must perform and supervise visits offsite.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative to those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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Develop, maintain a thorough working knowledge of, and comply with all departmental and applicable County policies and procedures.
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Demonstration by personal example the spirit of service, excellence, and integrity expected from all staff.
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Develop respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, including willing assistance to newer staff so job responsibilities can be performed with confidence as quickly as possible.
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Confer regularly with and keep immediate supervisor informed of all important matters which pertain to the applicable job functions and responsibilities.
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Represent Wadena County in a professional manner to the public, outside contacts and constituencies.
Wadena County is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer.
