Community Living Specialist (SW/PHN) - Under 65 (Part-time)

POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive
DEPARTMENT: Social Services
HOURS: Part-time, 30 hours per week
PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $33.77 - $37.99/hour (Salary Grade 108)
FULL SALARY RANGE: $33.77 - $52.77/hour
LOCATION: Hybrid; telework and in-person at West St. Paul, Northern Service Center
UNION: AFSCME 306 (SW) or MNA (PHN)
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on 12/1/2025

Come and join over 2,000 skilled individuals whose talents and contributions make Dakota County a premier place to live and work. The work that county government does is unique, and Dakota County offers important careers - the kind of careers that make a difference in people's lives.

Dakota County welcomes and is inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and perspectives. Dakota County aims to reflect the community and clients it serves and to foster an equitable and respectful working environment where everyone is empowered to be their authentic selves.

This specific Community Living Specialist - Social Worker or Public Health Nurse - performs functions related to case management for persons, who have a disability or may be at risk for placement in a nursing/hospital/intermediate care facility, residential treatment facility, or foster care, and receive home and community based services.

The area/population this position will work with:

Under 65: Individuals under age 65 with emotional, behavioral, and developments disabilities providing coordination, collaboration, and supports through the Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI), Community Alternative Care (CAC), and Brain Injury (BI) waivers or Developmental Disability (DD) waivers.

NEED TO HAVE:

• Bachelor's degree in one of following fields: Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or Human Services, Special Education, or related Human Services field; AND
• One year full-time professional experience OR two years full-time para-professional experience in a human service agency

• Bachelor's degree in Nursing; AND
• One year full-time professional experience OR two years full-time para-professional experience in field of study; AND
• Current licensure as a Registered Nurse in Minnesota; AND
• Registration as a Public Health Nurse in Minnesota
• Valid Driver's license.

• Master's degree and/or experience in Public Health Nursing, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Special Education, or related field
• Prior professional experience in supporting children and adults with emotional, behavioral and developmental disabilities' including mental health diagnoses and/or children receiving in home or community based settings
• Prior professional experience in supporting children and adults with high medical and/or physical health conditions.

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

1. Effectively engages individuals/families to assess needs, strengths, and family dynamics, to evaluate level of safety and/or risk.
2. Engages virtually or in-person with persons with disabilities or functional limitations, initially and/or within scope of ongoing case management.
3. Identifies Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) and additional supports/services which may benefit persons being served, provides information and/or referrals to other Community Services departments or community agencies, and collaborates effectively with all stakeholders.
4. Develops and implements an individual community support and service plan per relevant policies, procedures, statutes, and professional practice using person-centered planning.
5. Completes federal, state, and agency required documentation for all persons assessed, receiving ongoing case management, and upon closure of services.
6. Assesses and monitors persons being served for progress toward goals through required contacts, service plan adjustments and coordination of services with various service providers.
7. Responds effectively in crises situations. Provides coordination of crisis management, develops, and implements a safety plan for persons served to maximize safety and minimize community risk.
8. Engages and collaborates with K-12 schools, medical/behavioral health providers law enforcement, court, child, and adult protection,
9. Attends regular and periodic meetings and trainings consistent with the role and participates on work teams as requested.
10. Other duties as assigned such as supporting community emergency response functions per county emergency response plan.
11. Demonstrates a commitment to support cultural diversity County wide, actively supports the County's inclusion, diversity, and equity initiatives, and works to address the needs of diverse and underserved communities.

Essential Functions: 1-11

• Knowledge of human development, mental health and co-morbidity, cultural influences, family dynamics/systems and counseling/education concepts.
• Knowledge of complex service systems ranging from health care delivery system, medical insurance, and home and community based services.
• Knowledge of medical diagnosis, medications, and basic medical terminology.
• Knowledge of community resources and funding sources.
• Knowledge of statutes, rules, policies, and professional practices pertaining to specific discipline.
• Able to effectively use, learn and integrate various software applications/programs into practice.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize responsibilities.
• Ability to gather information and solve problems effectively.
• Ability to engage with, listen to, and interact with persons (being served and co-workers) effectively.
• Demonstrates an understanding of and respect for the diversity of customers, co-workers, and supervisors, including individuals with a disability or whose first language may be other than English.