Child Protection Specialist - Ongoing - Kandiyohi County, MN : Job Details

Salary : $77,809.00 - $108,014.00 Annually Location : Willmar, MN Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 202500052 Department: Health and Human Services Division: Children's Services Opening Date: 07/29/2025 Closing Date: 8/14/2025 4:30 PM Central Description The hiring range for this position is $77,809 - $86,775. The full range for this position is $77,809 - $108,014. 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. Job Duties

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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

Supplemental InformationSkills 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. Kandiyohi County offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health, dental, vision, PERA retirement, 457(b) deferred compensation plan, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick/ESST leave. Part-time employees who work an average of 20 hours per week over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis. 01 Do you have a bachelor's degree in Social Work or a closely related human services field?

• Yes
• No

02 Do you have professional experience in child protection, child welfare, or a related human services field?

• Yes, 5+ years
• Yes, 3 - 5 years
• Yes, 2-3 years
• Yes, less than 2 years
• No

03 Have you provided direct case management services for children or families involved in the child protection system?

• Yes, 5+ years
• Yes, 3 - 5 years
• Yes, 2 - 3 years
• Yes, less than 2 years
• No

04 Do you have experience using trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches with children and families?

• Yes - extensive experience
• Yes - some experience
• Yes - minimal experience
• No experience

05 Have you written reports or assessments for court and/or provided testimony in child welfare or legal settings?

• Yes, frequently
• Yes, occasionally
• Yes, rarely
• No

06 If you answered Yes to being a Veteran, please indicate whether you would like to claim Veteran's Preference Points:

• Yes - I am a qualified veteran who served during a qualifying wartime period.
• Yes - I am a disabled veteran with a 10% or higher disability rating.
• Yes - I am the spouse of a deceased veteran or the spouse of a disabled veteran who is unable to work due to their disability.
• No - I do not wish to claim Veteran's Preference Points.

07 If you selected Yes to the question above, please upload a copy of your DD214 as an attachment to this application. By initialing below, you confirm that you have uploaded this document. Required Question