<a name="social_worker"></a>
County Agency Social Worker
Kind of work
Under direction, performs work in providing social work services on cases involving complex social problems and social treatment
plans; performs responsible and difficult casework, directs service programs or provides work direction to paraprofessional staff;
and performs related work as assigned.
Examples of work (illustrative only)
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Interviews clients at intake.
Carries a caseload where a need for continuing social casework predominates.
Provides counseling to families and individuals.
Conducts complex case evaluation for the purpose of assessing problems and determining appropriate types and
methods of treatment.
Prepares intensive long or short-term treatment plans, which require a fund of casework knowledge.
Identifies client situations, which require intensified service and brings to the attention of supervisor for help or referral.
Provides vocation/employment services.
Provides direct services to persons with disabilities.
Provides services to delinquent children.
Provides or assists in providing services to other cases involving difficult or complex social and financial problems.
Interprets programs to clients, refers clients to appropriate community services.
Interprets social and emotional factors to others involved in treatment of clients.
Prepares social histories with emphasis on psychosocial factors, adoption, or foster home placements.
Supervises foster home placements.
Interviews and screens prospective adoptive parents.
Provides preventive services.
Interprets policies and regulations to clients.
Provides casework services for rehabilitation and care of children.
Prepares and maintains case records which meet federal, state and local guidelines.
Dictates findings and correspondence.
Prepares regular and special reports.
May provide work direction to social work interns or paraprofessional staff.
Participates in in-service training and other staff development activities to increase knowledge of social work
processes and skill in application to individual cases.
Knowledge, skills and abilities required
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Knowledge of the principles and techniques of interviewing and recording in social work and the ability to apply them.
Knowledge of individual and group behavior.
Knowledge of social casework objectives, principles, and methods.
Knowledge of social-economic factors, which promote stable family life and understanding of the elements, which
affect family security.
Knowledge of the principles of community organization.
Knowledge of physical and mental illnesses.
Knowledge of social welfare research methods.
Knowledge of family systems and dynamics.
Ability to effectively apply casework knowledge and skills.
Working ability to work constructively within an agency in the community setting and in effectively utilizing appropriate
resources and services.
Ability to work constructively in the development and coordination of community resources to meet special needs.
Ability to manage time productively.
Ability to prioritize caseloads.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Minimum qualifications of education and experience
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or
A bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in social work, psychology,
sociology or closely related field.
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A bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in any field and one year of
experience as a social worker in a public or private social services agency.
Class Code: 011
Last updated: 4/93, 10/14
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<a name="social_worker_cps"></a>
County Agency Social Worker (Child Protection Specialist)
Kind of work
Under general direction, performs work of considerable difficulty in providing intensive social work services for the protection,
rehabilitation and care of children; performs highly critical social work assignments in voluntary and non-voluntary child protective
service cases; and performs related work as assigned. Note: This is a classification reserved for incumbents whose primary
function is to provide child protective services for a county human service agency.
Examples of work (illustrative only)
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Interviews prospective clients at intake.
Makes home visits to determine needs of individuals and families for services.
Counsels families and individuals.
Cooperates with local law enforcement and correction agencies in child abuse and neglect cases.
Investigates complaints of abuse and neglect.
Interprets child protective services and child welfare laws pertaining to dependency and neglect.
Prepares social histories.
Maintains case records which meet federal, state and local guidelines.
Makes child care institutional and foster home placements.
Provides preventative services to the dependent and neglected child.
Consults with psychiatrists, psychologists and attorneys in connection with case objectives.
Prepares information and recommendations in connection with court cases and proceedings.
Testifies in court proceedings.
Interprets and implements judicial findings and court orders.
Undertakes intensive long or short- term treatment plans in areas such as family management, marital counseling,
childcare and development.
Conducts group sessions with clients.
Attends relevant meetings, workshops and training sessions.
Provides public information on social service programs to the community and special groups.
Provides supervision with input for the design of new programs and services.
Knowledge, skills and abilities required
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Knowledge of individual and group behavior.
Knowledge of current principles and practices of social work case management as they apply to the treatment of
major behavior problems.
Knowledge of the causative factors leading to social maladjustment.
Knowledge of the social-economic factors, which promote stable family life and an understanding of the elements,
which affect family security.
Knowledge of the child welfare laws relating to dependency, neglect and delinquency.
Knowledge of the court procedures: due process of law and rules of evidence.
Knowledge of the principles of family and marital counseling.
Knowledge of the techniques of child placement with emphasis on the complete participation of the parent or
guardian.
Knowledge of the utilization of appropriate resources and services.
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Ability to communicate with and understand the problems faced by families from all cultural and economic levels.
Ability to work with and motivate the most disadvantaged segment of the community.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with clients, relatives, the courts, local law enforcement
agencies and the public.
Ability to analyze complex situations and evaluate potential for improvement.
Ability to manage time productively.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Minimum qualifications of education and experience
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A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university with a major in social work, psychology, sociology or closely
related field.
Or
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A bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in any field and one year of
experience as a social worker in a public or private social services agency.
Note: The incumbent must participate in a minimum of 15 hours per year of continuing education or in-service training as outlined
in Minn. Stat. 626.559.
Class Code: 012
Last updated: 4/93, 10/14
Related links
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Back to Class Specifications
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Back to County Resources
Questions about Merit System not answered here?
Email us at dhs.merit.system@state.mn.us
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<a name="social_worker_cps_master"></a>
County Agency Social Worker (Child Protection Specialist) (master's level)
Kind of work
Under general direction, performs work of considerable difficulty in providing intensive social work services for the protection,
rehabilitation and care of children; performs highly critical social work assignments in voluntary and non-voluntary child protective
service cases; and performs related work as assigned. Note: This is a classification reserved for incumbents whose primary
function is to provide child protective services for a county human service agency.
Examples of work (illustrative only)
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Interviews prospective clients at intake.
Makes home visits to determine needs of individuals and families for services.
Counsels families and individuals.
Cooperates with local law enforcement and correction agencies in child abuse and neglect cases.
Investigates complaints of abuse and neglect.
Interprets child protective services and child welfare laws pertaining to dependency and neglect.
Prepares social histories.
Maintains case records which meet federal, state and local guidelines.
Makes child care institutional and foster home placements.
Provides preventative services to the dependent and neglected child.
Consults with psychiatrists, psychologists and attorneys in connection with case objectives.
Prepares information and recommendations in connection with court cases and proceedings.
Testifies in court proceedings.
Interprets and implements judicial findings and court orders.
Undertakes intensive long or short-term treatment plans in areas such as family management, marital counseling,
childcare and development.
Conducts group sessions with clients.
Attends relevant meetings, workshops and training sessions.
Provides public information on social service programs to the community and special groups.
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Provides supervision with input for the design of new programs and services.
Knowledge, skills and abilities required
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Considerable knowledge of the principles and techniques of interviewing and recording in social work and the ability to
apply them.
Considerable knowledge of individual and group behavior.
Considerable knowledge of social casework objectives, principles and methods.
Considerable knowledge of the causative factors leading to social maladjustment.
Considerable knowledge of the social-economic factors, which promote stable family life and an understanding of the
elements, which affect family security.
Considerable knowledge of family systems and dynamics.
Considerable knowledge of the principles of family and marital counseling.
Knowledge of child welfare laws relating to dependency, neglect and delinquency.
Knowledge of the court procedures: due process of law and rules of evidence.
Knowledge of relevant federal, state, local laws and regulations pertaining to social services.
Knowledge of the techniques of child placement with emphasis on the complete participation of the parent or
guardian.
Ability to communicate with and understand the problems faced by families from all cultural and economic levels.
Ability to work constructively within an agency or community setting in effectively developing and utilizing appropriate
resources and services to meet special needs.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with clients, relatives, the courts, local law enforcement
agencies and the public.
Ability to analyze complex situations and evaluate potential for improvement.
Ability to manage time productively.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Minimum qualifications of education and experience
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A master's degree in social work from an accredited college/university with a supervised field placement providing
case management and/or counseling services to individuals and families.
or
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A master's degree from an accredited college/university in counseling or clinical psychology with a specialization (39
quarter credits or 30 semester credits) in marriage, family or child counseling based on a two year program (72
quarter credits or 56 semester credits) and which includes a supervised field placement providing case management
and/or counseling to individuals and families as part of the course curriculum.
NOTE: The incumbent must participate in a minimum of 15 hours per year of continuing education or in service training as
outlined in Minn. Stat. 626.559.
Class Code: 017
Last updated: 4/93, 10/14
Related links

Back to Class Specifications

Back to County Resources
Questions about Merit System not answered here?
Email us at dhs.merit.system@state.mn.us
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<a name="social_work_tl"></a>
Social Work Team Leader
Kind of work
Under general supervision, provides social work services to cases involving social problems and social treatment plans; provides
work direction, technical guidance, and performs limited supervisory duties for other social workers and paraprofessionals in social
work functions; performs responsible and difficult casework; directs service programs; provides technical expertise for a program
area; ensures quality control for social work practices within a program area, and performs related work as assigned. May work in
a specialized area or with more than one program, which could include developmental disabilities, mental illness, adult protection,
child protection, chemical dependency, foster care, intake, and child care licensing. May perform clinical duties in an area(s) of
special expertise, such as teaching and training social workers in techniques within a unit or section. Additional responsibility may
include acting in a clinical consulting capacity to community groups and individuals as well as other professionals in the agency.
Administrative supervision is received from the Social Services Supervisor or Agency Director although the employee is expected
to function with considerable independence in carrying out responsibilities.
Examples of work (illustrative only)
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Interviews clients at intake.
Carries a caseload where a need for continuing social casework predominates.
Conducts complex case evaluation for the purpose of assessing problems and determining appropriate treatment
plans.
Offer appropriate social services to all assigned cases within agency guidelines.
Identifies client situations which require intensive service and brings to the attention of supervisor for direction.
Provides direct services to people with disabilities.
Provides clinical consultation to staff, other units and other departments within the agency and to community
resources.
Assists in the formulation, evaluation and installation of social work policies and procedures for a unit.
Prepares routine to complex long or short-term treatment plans which require a fund of casework knowledge.
Provides counseling to families and individuals.
Investigates and takes appropriate action in cases of adult and/or child abuse or neglect.
Provides services to delinquent children.
Interprets programs to clients and refers clients to appropriate community services.
Interprets social and emotional factors to others involved in treatment of clients.
Prepares social and psycho-social histories on clients.
Supervises foster home placements.
Interviews and screens prospective adoptive parents.
Provides preventive services to assist clients to adjust with social problems.
Interprets policies and regulations to clients.
Provides casework services for rehabilitation and care of children.
Prepares and maintains case records which meet federal, state and local guidelines.
Dictates findings, case notes and correspondence.
Prepares regular and special reports.
Provides work assignments, technical assistance and case direction to other social workers and paraprofessional
staff.
May provide work direction and limited supervision of social work interns or paraprofessional staff.
Assists supervisor in the training and performance evaluation of other social workers and social work interns or
paraprofessional staff.
Provides supervision of cases in the absence of supervisor.
Interprets and explains rules, manual material, and policies and procedures to other staff and clients.
Assists in the development and implementation of new procedures.
Assists supervisor in running unit meetings and performing related administrative tasks.
Knowledge, skills and abilities required
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Knowledge of current principles and practices of social work case management.
Knowledge of the principles and techniques of interviewing and recording in social work and the ability to apply them.
Knowledge of agency operations, policies and procedures.
Knowledge of community services and resources and functions of social service programs and related services.
Knowledge of the causative factors leading to social maladjustment.
Knowledge of the principles of family and marital counseling.
Knowledge of the techniques of child abuse and neglect investigation, risk assessments, and child placement.
Knowledge of techniques of adult abuse and neglect investigations, risk assessments and community
resources/alternatives.
Knowledge of individual and group behavior.
Knowledge of socio-economic factors which promote stable socio-economic adjustment.
Knowledge of relevant federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to social services.
Knowledge of the principles of community organization.
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Knowledge of physical and mental illness, chemical dependency and developmental disabilities.
Knowledge of family systems, social systems, and dynamics.
Ability to effectively apply casework knowledge and skills.
Ability to work constructively within an agency in the community setting and to effectively utilize appropriate resources
and services.
Ability to work constructively in the development and coordination of community resources to meet special needs.
Ability to prioritize caseloads and manage time productively.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to analyze complex situations and evaluate potential for improvement.
Ability to analyze interview information, observation and other data to construct case histories.
Ability to provide technical guidance and suggestions on case direction to other social workers.
Ability to provide limited supervision to social work interns and paraprofessionals.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with clients, relatives, the courts, local law enforcement
agencies, other community service agencies, and the public.
Minimum qualifications of education and experience
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A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university with a major in social work, psychology, sociology or closely
related fields and two years of professional social work experience, or a bachelor’s degree and four years professional
social work experience.
Or
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A master’s degree from an accredited college/university in social work, clinical psychology, counseling psychology,
human services administration or closely related field and six months of professional social work experience.
Class Code: 101
Last updated: 7/98, 10/14
Related links
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Back to Class Specifications
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Back to County Resources
Questions about Merit System not answered here?
Email us at dhs.merit.system@state.mn.us
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<a name="social_worker_masters"></a>
County Agency Social Worker (master's level)
Kind of work
Under direction, performs responsible and difficult casework providing intensive social work case services involving complex
social problems and social treatment plans; directs service programs and may provide work direction to social work
paraprofessionals in social work functions; and performs related work as assigned.
Examples of work (illustrative only)
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Interviews client at intake.
Carries a selected caseload where there is a need for specialized continuing social casework.
Provides counseling to families and individuals.
Conducts complex case evaluations for the purpose of assessing client problems and determining appropriate types
and methods of treatment.
Prepares intensive long or short-term treatment plans, which require comprehensive casework knowledge.
Functions at a highly skilled level in such areas as counseling protective services, mental health, juvenile
rehabilitation, custody studies and child placement.
Provide direct services to persons with disabilities.
Provides or assists in providing services to other cases involving difficult or complex social and financial problems.
Interprets social and emotional factors to other resources involved in treatment of clients.
Interprets programs and policies/regulations to clients.
Prepares social histories with emphasis on psychosocial factors involved in adoptions or foster home placements.
Supervises foster home placements.
Interviews and screens prospective adoptive parents.
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Provides preventative services.
Provides casework services for rehabilitation and care of children.
Prepares and maintains case records which meet federal, state and local guidelines.
Dictates findings and correspondence.
Prepares regular and special reports.
May provide work direction to social work interns and paraprofessional staff.
Participates in in-service training and other staff development activities to increase knowledge of social work
processes and skill in application to individual cases.
Knowledge, skills and abilities required
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Considerable knowledge of the principles and techniques of interviewing and recording in social work and the ability to
apply them.
Considerable knowledge of individual and group behavior.
Considerable knowledge of social casework objectives, principles and methods.
Considerable knowledge of the causative factors leading to social maladjustment.
Considerable knowledge of family systems and dynamics.
Considerable knowledge of the principles of family and marital counseling.
Considerable knowledge of physical and mental illness and their impact on personality.
Considerable knowledge of social-economic factors, which promote stable family life and understanding of the
elements, which affect family security.
Knowledge of relevant federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to social services.
Knowledge of the principles of community organization.
Ability to communicate with and understand the problems faced by families from all cultural and economic levels.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with clients, relatives and the public.
Ability to effectively apply casework knowledge and skills.
Ability to work constructively within an agency or community setting in effectively developing and utilizing appropriate
resources and services to meet special needs.
Ability to analyze complex situations and evaluate potential for improvement.
Ability to manage time productively.
Ability to prioritize caseloads.
Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
Minimum qualifications of education and experience
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A master's degree in social work from an accredited college/university with a supervised field placement providing
case management and/or counseling services to individuals and families.
or

A master's degree from an accredited college/university in counseling or clinical psychology with a specialization (39
quarter credits or 30 semester credits) in marriage, family or child counseling based on a two year program (72
quarter credits or 56 semester credits) and which includes a supervised field placement providing case management
and/or counseling to individuals and families as part of the course curriculum.
Class Code: 016
Last updated: 4/93, 10/14
Related links

Back to Class Specifications

Back to County Resources
Questions about Merit System not answered here?
Email us at dhs.merit.system@state.mn.us
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<a name="sds_sr"></a>
Staff Development Specialist, Senior
Kind of work
Under general supervision, develops and implements a program of staff training in a large human services county agency;
exercises considerable judgment in determining the methods and techniques of instructions to be employed and in the
development and selection of training content and materials; may direct the work of several staff members; and performs related
work as required.
Examples of work (illustrative only)
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Plans a program of in-service training with particular emphasis on the teaching of social work methods and
techniques.
May train employees in the use of special techniques or skills, such as group work, and methods of social work
practice.
Arranges and convenes training sessions.
Directs other employees on how to conduct training sessions.
Develops content of instruction and techniques of presentation.
Prepares training manuals and selects and organizes informational material for use in training.
Evaluates training programs in relation to staff performance and needs.
Knowledge, skills and abilities required
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Considerable knowledge of public human services laws and programs.
Considerable knowledge of community resources and agency organization and service.
Considerable knowledge of professional literature related to the work.
Thorough knowledge of teaching methods and techniques.
Knowledge of social work principles, practices and techniques.
Knowledge of supervisory methods and skills.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with staff.
Ability to work within the limits of staff relationships required by the position.
Minimum qualifications of education and experience
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Completion of two full years of graduate training in a recognized school of social work or related field and two years of
professional level experience in a social services agency with responsibility for employee development functions, or
teaching experience at the secondary level or above;
Or
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A bachelor's degree in social work or related field and four years of experience in a social services agency with
responsibility for employee development functions or teaching experience at the secondary level or above.
Class Code: 402
Last update: 04/93, 10/14
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Email us at dhs.merit.system@state.mn.us
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