Sr. Child Protection Worker (Internal Department Only)

This internal employment opportunity is open to current Ramsey County probationary or permanent classified employees (excluding temporaries) who are employed in the Social Services department.  The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department or County.

To investigate, assess and provide intervention and treatment services in order to protect children from child abuse, neglect and exploitation; to prepare and implement case management plans for the treatment of child abuse, the protection of victims; to participate in legal actions arising from child abuse case activities; and to perform related duties as assigned. (This is the journey or full performance level in this class series. At this level employees are expected to have mastered the knowledge, skills and abilities required for proper performance. Assignments typically are performed under minimal supervision.)

Flexible Workplace
This position is identified under the designation of ‘flex work eligible’, meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county’s flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County’s Flexible Workplace policy, go to: Flexible Workplace policy(Download PDF reader).

To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Job Descriptions. Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.

• Promote a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.

INVESTIGATION AND ASSESSMENT

• Investigate reports of child abuse (including physical or sexual abuse, neglect and exploitation) within legal limits by interviewing and taking formal statements from family members and other involved persons, and by interviewing children in accordance with approved child interviewing methods in order to refute or substantiate reports, determine whether children are in immediate danger of abuse and to document information needed for court proceedings and protection planning.
• Initiate necessary child protection actions, such as petitioning for court orders to remove children or parents from the home, arranging for in-home services or contacting police in order to provide immediate protection for children.
• Assess individual and family ability to respond to treatment by evaluating clients' cognitive skills, motivation to change, and past history of treatment in order to develop reasonable case plans.

CASE PLANNING

• Write and implement protection plan to reduce the risk of further abuse or neglect, maintain the family unit intact and ensure that needed services are used.
• Write and file with court a formal case plan according to required format for any child in placement or involved in court proceedings.
• Identify family needs and make referrals to other agency or community resources such as residential treatment, public health services or parent counseling.
• Gather information (such as social histories, client compliance with previous court orders, list of possible witnesses) and prepare reports for submission to the County Attorney for use in petitioning for court intervention such as termination of parental rights or provision of protective supervision.
• Testify at legal proceedings, recommend future court reviews and prepare other witnesses to testify.

TREATMENT

• Provide crisis intervention by assisting clients to obtain emergency housing, food, clothing, financial assistance or protection.
• Provide individual and family counseling, behavior modification programming and other treatment such as play therapy to improve family functioning, prevent child placement or facilitate family reunification.
• Transport or arrange transportation for clients to medical appointments, court hearings, placements, and other mandated services to assist clients to receive service.
• Monitor clients' progress toward established service goals and compliance with court orders to determine need for continuation of services.
• Arrange for adoption, long-term foster care or independent living situation for children when attempts at family reunification have failed to provide a safe home.
• Physically remove unwilling child from harmful environment to place in safe residence.
• Write social histories and accurate case records (such as service referrals, quarterly evaluation of client progress toward goals, legal actions) according to department requirements.

(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this work and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required.)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 13, 15

Education: Bachelor’s degree in a social/behavioral science and 23 additional credits eligible for tuition refund or equivalent or a University of Minnesota Social Work Certificate.  

Experience: Five years’ experience in child welfare social work, including three years as a Child Protection Worker or equivalent. 

Substitution: Either (a) three years of general social work experience plus three years of experience as a Child Protection Worker; or (b) two years of experience as a Ramsey County Social Worker 3 plus one year of experience as a Child Protection Worker may substitute for the experience requirement stated above ;or (c) experience as a Ramsey County Human Services Case Aide 3 may substitute for general social work experience on the basis that two years Case Aide experience equals one year of general social work experience.  A maximum of six years Ramsey County Human Services Case Aide experience can be substituted for general social work experience.

Note: A Master's Degree in Social Work may substitute for up to 2 years of the child welfare social work experience requirement. A Master's Degree in any other related social/behavioral science may substitute for one year of the child welfare social work experience requirement.

Other: Must successfully complete all continuing education requirements for child protection workers as specified by state law.

The examination process will consist of the following  weighted as indicated:

Eligible List:  The names of all applicants who pass the examination/screening process and file a properly completed application shall be placed on the eligible list for employment as a Child Protection Worker. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to fill a vacancy.  Candidates will remain on the list for three months or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted, informing them that the list has been posted and their rank on the list. The names of all applicants who pass the examination with a score of 35 or higher will be forwarded to the department for further consideration.
 
Veteran's Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process.  Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process.  Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.
 
Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.
 
E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.
 
Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance or national origin.
 
 

Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives being equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide, will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.

 
 To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application(Download PDF reader). You will need to print off this posting and also answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them if you complete a paper application.
 
 For further information regarding this posting, please contact nirvana.wallace@co.ramsey.mn.us