Blind Inc.

General Description POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive DEPARTMENT: Social Services HOURS: Full-time PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $70,518 - $79,333/year (2025 rates; Salary Grade 108) FULL SALARY RANGE: $70,518 - $110,185/year LOCATION: Hybrid; telework and in-person in the community and at the Western Service Center, Apple Valley UNION: AFSCME CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on 12/31/2024 Come join us at Dakota County and "Be more". Dakota County employs over 2,000 skilled individuals whose talents and contributions makes Dakota County a premier place to live and work. The work County government does is unique. Dakota County offers important careers the kind of careers that make a difference in people's lives. Dakota County welcomes and is inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and perspectives. The County aims to reflect the community and clients it serves and fosters an equitable and respectful working environment where everyone is empowered to be their authentic selves. The foster care licensing social worker is responsible to conduct home study assessments, license foster parents, both relative and non-relative, according to the state Foster Care Rule, make referrals to foster homes, provide placement support, investigate complaints and provide follow-up. Duties & Responsibilities These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions. 1. Effectively engage individuals and their families to assess and evaluate needs and strengths, including safety and risk. 2. Determine with the client, and in collaboration with agencies, eligibility, need, and level of service for identified clients. 3. Provide, arrange, and coordinate direct services and advocacy to clients and families. 4. Facilitate, integrate, and mobilize community resources on behalf of the client. Develop services where needed resources do not exist. 5. Evaluate, document, and monitor progress toward foster care licensing. 6. Research, maintain, and apply knowledge of relevant policies, procedures, and statutes. Provide training and education to others. 7. Complete agency, state, and federal required documentation according to mandated timelines. 8. Closure of foster care license based on resolution of permanency for child client. 9. Provide effective testimony in negative action hearings. 10. Demonstrates a commitment to support cultural diversity County wide, actively supports the County's diversity initiatives, and works to address the needs of diverse and underrepresented communities. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: All duties listed above are essential functions. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment Knowledge of child and human development, family dynamics and systems, including crisis management and cultural competency. Knowledge of adolescent development, including ambiguous loss and trauma. Knowledge of community resources and funding sources. Knowledge of the Human Services Licensing Act and DHS Rules that directly affect foster care homes. Knowledge of statutes, rules, and policies pertaining to social work and the ability to research the same. Comprehensive knowledge of computer and information systems. Interviewing, negotiation, and listening skills. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Demonstrates an understanding of and respect for the diversity of customers, co-workers, and supervisors, including individuals with a disability or whose first language may be other than English. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in a County office building and on client home visits. Some travel is required. Lifting requirement of up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis. Exposure to inadequate lighting and intense noise may occur on client home visits. Equipment used may include, but is not limited to, computer, printer, telephone, calculator, and opy and fax machines SELECTION PROCESS: The examination/selection process for this classification will consist of a rating of your training and experience from the application materials submitted. The top scoring candidates will be forwarded to the hiring department for further consideration. Dakota County welcomes and is inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and perspectives. The County aims to reflect the community and clients it serves and fosters an equitable and respectful working environment where everyone is empowered to be their authentic selves.