Kandiyohi County
Child Protection Specialist - Ongoing
Kandiyohi County, Willmar, Minnesota, United States, 56201
The hiring range for this position is $80,081 - $89,316. The full range for this position is $80,081 - $111,192.
The Child Protection Specialist – Ongoing plays a critical role in protecting the safety and well-being of children in Kandiyohi County by providing intensive, ongoing case management services to families with substantiated child maltreatment concerns. This position focuses on ensuring child safety, supporting family stability, and pursuing permanency planning when reunification is not possible. The role requires strong attention to detail, emotional resilience, and the ability to work within legal frameworks and agency policies while maintaining confidentiality at all times.
Provide direct case management services to families with ongoing child protection or child welfare needs in compliance with Minnesota statutes and agency policy.
Conduct comprehensive assessments of child safety and family functioning, using tools such as Signs of Safety to guide planning and engagement.
Develop and implement individualized case plans focused on child safety, permanency, and well-being.
Coordinate services for youth in extended foster care, minor parents, truant youth, and families requesting voluntary child welfare services.
Determine appropriate placements for children, including in-home safety plans or out-of-home care, and facilitate reunification efforts when appropriate.
Identify and implement permanent placement solutions for children when reunification is not achievable.
Prepare and submit detailed case documentation, including case notes, court reports, and assessments, in a timely and professional manner.
Testify in court proceedings and participate in multidisciplinary case reviews and team meetings.
Collaborate with families, service providers, schools, law enforcement, legal professionals, and other county and state agencies.
Utilize trauma-informed, culturally responsive approaches to engage and support children and families.
Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
Other duties as assigned.
Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a closely related human services field required
Experience in child protection or family services preferred
Bilingual language skills (e.g., Spanish, Somali) preferred
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required
Must pass a criminal background check and meet DHS requirements for working with vulnerable populations
Skills and Abilities
Strong knowledge of child welfare laws, practices, and reporting requirements.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to prepare professional reports and documentation.
Ability to conduct sensitive interviews and engage families with empathy and professionalism.
Proficiency with electronic case management systems and standard office software.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex cases simultaneously.
Ability to assess risk, make sound decisions under pressure, and take appropriate action.
Effective collaboration and teamwork skills in a multidisciplinary environment.
Commitment to ethical, trauma-informed, and culturally competent practice.
High level of discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality.
Physical Demands
Ability to sit, stand, and move throughout the day to perform both office and fieldwork.
Ability to travel frequently within and outside the county to attend home visits, court hearings, and meetings.
Must be able to lift and carry files or supplies up to 25 pounds occasionally.
Ability to work in emotionally demanding and sometimes high-stress environments.
Must be able to perform the essential duties of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Kandiyohi County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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The Child Protection Specialist – Ongoing plays a critical role in protecting the safety and well-being of children in Kandiyohi County by providing intensive, ongoing case management services to families with substantiated child maltreatment concerns. This position focuses on ensuring child safety, supporting family stability, and pursuing permanency planning when reunification is not possible. The role requires strong attention to detail, emotional resilience, and the ability to work within legal frameworks and agency policies while maintaining confidentiality at all times.
Provide direct case management services to families with ongoing child protection or child welfare needs in compliance with Minnesota statutes and agency policy.
Conduct comprehensive assessments of child safety and family functioning, using tools such as Signs of Safety to guide planning and engagement.
Develop and implement individualized case plans focused on child safety, permanency, and well-being.
Coordinate services for youth in extended foster care, minor parents, truant youth, and families requesting voluntary child welfare services.
Determine appropriate placements for children, including in-home safety plans or out-of-home care, and facilitate reunification efforts when appropriate.
Identify and implement permanent placement solutions for children when reunification is not achievable.
Prepare and submit detailed case documentation, including case notes, court reports, and assessments, in a timely and professional manner.
Testify in court proceedings and participate in multidisciplinary case reviews and team meetings.
Collaborate with families, service providers, schools, law enforcement, legal professionals, and other county and state agencies.
Utilize trauma-informed, culturally responsive approaches to engage and support children and families.
Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
Other duties as assigned.
Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a closely related human services field required
Experience in child protection or family services preferred
Bilingual language skills (e.g., Spanish, Somali) preferred
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required
Must pass a criminal background check and meet DHS requirements for working with vulnerable populations
Skills and Abilities
Strong knowledge of child welfare laws, practices, and reporting requirements.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to prepare professional reports and documentation.
Ability to conduct sensitive interviews and engage families with empathy and professionalism.
Proficiency with electronic case management systems and standard office software.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex cases simultaneously.
Ability to assess risk, make sound decisions under pressure, and take appropriate action.
Effective collaboration and teamwork skills in a multidisciplinary environment.
Commitment to ethical, trauma-informed, and culturally competent practice.
High level of discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality.
Physical Demands
Ability to sit, stand, and move throughout the day to perform both office and fieldwork.
Ability to travel frequently within and outside the county to attend home visits, court hearings, and meetings.
Must be able to lift and carry files or supplies up to 25 pounds occasionally.
Ability to work in emotionally demanding and sometimes high-stress environments.
Must be able to perform the essential duties of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Kandiyohi County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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