Child Protection Investigator
Do you have a desire to better the lives of the children of Sherburne County?
Join the team of Social Workers in the Child Protection unit of the Sherburne County Human Services!
Our team of knowledgeable and experienced Social Worker Investigators provide assessment, refer families and the public to the appropriate community-based services, and conduct child protection investigations as warranted to ensure the immediate safety of children.
Our Mission: The mission of Sherburne County Health and Human Services (SCHHS) is to promote and protect the health, safety, well-being, and self-sufficiency of Sherburne County residents.
Our Vision: It is the intent of the organization to provide human service programs to the residents of Sherburne County, designed to protect and enhance the lives of vulnerable populations (such as the developmentally disabled, children in need of protective services, vulnerable adults, mentally ill, and others).
The work of Sherburne County Health and Human Services is governed by the pillars of serving People, through collaboration and Partnership, to help resident achieve Prosperity, using an Equity Lens in all we do.
This position is located at the Government Center in Elk River, MN, however will also require work in the field. Our regular business hours are Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm, though the department provides staff with flexibility in effort to strive for a desired work/life balance. Sherburne County is one of the fastest growing counties in Minnesota, where you can find a nice blend of suburban and rural life. If you are interested in bringing your skill and talent to a dynamic department in a growing community, we encourage you to apply for this great opportunity.
Learn more about our workplace culture and a brief overview of our employee benefits.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
These examples of typical duties do not include all possible tasks for this classification and do not limit the assignment of related tasks. Regular attendance according to the department's approved work schedule is required for all Sherburne positions.
Child Protection & Traditional Investigation/Family Assessment Response
- Responsible for requests for information and referral services in Sherburne County.
- Respond to and assess the need for protective services.
- Contact law enforcement and other community professionals for collateral purposes.
- Establish initial goals and objectives to ensure immediate safety of children.
- In physical abuse and neglect cases, determine appropriateness of Traditional Investigation vs Family Assessment Response.
- Pursue court action with supervisory approval and assistance of the County Attorney's Office.
- Complete necessary documentation to comply with State, Federal, and local policy.
Education: Bachelor's degree in Social Work or closely related field.
Must have a valid MN driver's license and reliable vehicle.
Experience:
Social Worker I: Minimum of completed Social Work internship or closely related field.
Social Worker II: Minimum of 1-year of Social Work experience or equivalent education plus work experience.
Must have a valid MN driver's license and reliable vehicle.
Preferred Experience Beyond Minimum Qualifications: Candidates experienced with Social Worker Foundations training, Signs of Safety training, Corner House training, Trauma training, and working in the state SSIS system. Experience with conducting child protection investigations is also preferred.
Supplemental Information
Accountabilities Shared By All Employees
- Perform job responsibilities in a manner consistent with the County's vision, mission, and values.
- Develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of all department and county-wide policies, protocols and procedures that apply to the performance of this position.
- Develop respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers.
- Inform immediate supervisor of all-important matters pertaining to assigned job responsibilities.
- Seek opportunities for further personal growth and development.
- Represent the County in a professional manner to all internal and external contacts when doing the County's business.
- Comply with all rules and policies in order to maintain a safe work environment.
Social Worker I: $29.92 - $35.91/hour (Grade 12)
Social Worker II: $32.01 - $38.41/hour (Grade 13)
Union: Teamsters
Interview: Selected candidates will be notified via email the week of December 30th, to self-schedule a 10-minute phone interview on January 7th.
Hybrid/Remote Option: Position is in-house for at least the first 6-months, then has the option to be hybrid/remote after that.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
Must be able to endure extended travel, up to 8 hours or more per day. Must be able to provide own means of transportation when county vehicles are not available. May be required to travel to remote areas and in all weather conditions.
Must be able to exert very moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (15-25 pounds).
Typical Working Environment:
80% Inside Work (office and field work), 20% Travel. (These percentages are an estimate and may vary based on job duties.)
Work is performed both in the office and in the field (some examples of settings include client’s: homes, apartments, hospitals, group homes, schools, shelters, correctional facilities, and treatment facilities). Headaches, eyestrain, and other related occupational hazards reflect the most common potential for injury in the office. Field visits to clients’ homes may expose employee to unsanitary conditions, communicable illnesses, infrequent exposure to health hazards, unpredictable and/or unsafe environments. Likelihood of verbal abuse and threats from hostile, frustrated clients and may include unpredictable situations.
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