Social Worker - Child Protection Specialist

Social Worker - Child Protection Specialist

Job Category
: HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Requisition Number
: SOCIA
001265

Apply now

• Posted :
  February 19, 2026
• Full-Time

Showing 1 location

• Pay or shift range: $25.78 USD to $38.67 USD. The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, qualifications and other job-related reasons.

The Child Protection Specialist’s responsibilities include 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.

Supplemental:

• The 2025 salary range for this position is $25.78 to $38.67 per hour
  , depending on experience.
• Relevant previous experience will be taken into consideration.
• Our organization values pay equity, and hiring at the maximum of the range is not typical.
• To ensure full consideration, please submit your application by 3:00 PM on Friday, March 3, 2026
  .
• First round of interviews will take place on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
• Communication updates will be sent via email
  .
• This full-time position includes a comprehensive benefits package
  , which includes:
• Medical, dental, and life insurance
• Paid holidays, sick leave, and vacation
• 2026 Benefits  or visit McLeod County website >
  Employment tab.

The following duties are normal for this classification. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Interview prospective clients at intake.
• Conduct home visits to determine needs of individuals and families for services.
• Provide ongoing services to children and families who have been determined in need of protective services.
• Counsel families and individuals.
• Cooperate with local law enforcement and correction agencies in child abuse and neglect cases.
• Interpret child protective services and child welfare laws pertaining to dependency and neglect.
• Provide case management services for children in out-of-home placements and non- placement cases.
• Prepare social histories.
• Maintain case records which meet federal, state and local guidelines.
• Make child care institutional and foster home placements.
• Provide preventative services to the dependent and neglected child.
• Consult with psychiatrists, psychologists and attorneys in connection with case objectives.
• Prepare information and recommendations in connection with court cases and proceedings.
• Testify in court proceedings.
• Interpret and implement judicial findings and court orders.
• Undertake intensive long or short-term treatment plans in areas such as family management, marital counseling, childcare and development.
• Conduct group sessions with clients.
• Provide public information on social service programs to the community and special groups.
• Provide supervision with input for the design of new programs and services.

• Attend weekly unit meetings and monthly staff meetings.
• Perform job related duties as assigned or apparent.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Social Work or Human Services-related field plus one year of professional work experience required or;
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job.

Required Certifications/Licenses

• Valid driver’s license and ability to maintain such license and proof of insurance.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• 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 principles of family and marital counseling.
• Knowledge of the techniques of child placement with emphasis on the complete participation of the…