Social Work Supervisor

Job Summary

Performs supervisory and professional duties coordinating staff and social services in a specialized area or department, such as: developmental disabilities and physical disabilities, adult or children's mental health, adult or child protection/child welfare, prevention, adoption, and services to the elderly. The employee is responsible for supervision and development of staff, coordination and monitoring unit activities toward meeting service goals and objectives, creativity and problem-solving in meeting client needs, and innovation and creativity in how services are delivered. The employee also works collaboratively with others in the assessment, modification, development, and coordination of work and resources across the division.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Supervises and oversees the staff, work, and services of a designated program area in social services, assuring adherence to federal and state mandates, work standards, best practices, and county policies. 
• Supervises and oversees the staff, work, and services of Together WE CAN, a community driven initiative aimed at ending child abuse and neglect, and Family Resource Centers, assuring adherence to federal and state mandates, work standards, best practices, and county policies.
• Assesses, develops, monitors, and implements policies, guidelines, and procedures as they relate to the program area. 
• Hires and supervises the activities of professional and paraprofessional staff; to include: coaching, mentoring, training, evaluating performance, setting work schedules, establishing goals, disciplining, etc.; provides back-up supervision to staff in other program areas as required or requested. 
• Provides professional-level supervision of assessment/investigative and case management services to ensure cases are complying with best practices, legal mandates, and ethical standards; develops, revises, implements, and provides interpretation of policies and procedures, laws, rules, and regulations related to program area. 
• Develops, coordinates, and implements innovative and effective programs striving for excellence in service for clients. 
• Researches, develops, and implements new evidenced-based prevention/early intervention programs.
• Participates in workgroups at a local, state, and national-level focused on Child Welfare system transformation.
• Actively engages community members, community organizations, faith and business communities, school districts, etc.
• Oversees, evaluates, and assesses program budget needs; monitors budgets for internal and external programming; prioritizes service requests.
• Maximizes revenue and ensures fiscally responsible service delivery.
• Authorizes funding or use of county resources in response to individual service needs.
• Applies knowledge and demonstration of culturally responsive practices to support diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
• Determines and collects data needed for reporting purposes; generates program and activity reports, statistics, and program evaluations to inform program development and alignment with County Board strategic plan.
• Develops and negotiates contracts for services, following requirements for the type of contract needed; monitors contracted services and takes action to remedy issues.
• Informs, presents, and promotes unit/department programs and services with various community groups, agencies, or community organizations; attends, conducts, participates, and advocates in a variety of meetings to support and promote the needs of the program area, clients, and staff. 
• Takes appropriate action to address and resolve problems and complaints related to services provided. 
• Executes timely and relative decision making so that services are provided effectively and cost efficiently and client needs/program goals are met.  
• Intervenes in crisis situations; provides for emergency service and/or after hours support.
• Collaborates and consults with internal and external stakeholders including state and county agencies, tribes, and community providers to represents county’s interests.
• Responsible for supporting an inclusive environment focused on equitable outcomes.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of human behavior, cultural diversities, and language barriers to ensure equitable service delivery.
• Identifies potential new revenue sources; creates plans and helps formulate actions to secure program funding. 
• Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.
• Works the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals. 
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires equivalency of a Master's Degree (MSW preferred) and four years of experience in the specified job area. Specific certifications, licensure, or designations may be required for some positions such as Mental Health Professional or Qualified Developmental Disability Professional designation. Supervisory experience is preferred. The incumbent shall provide a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.
 
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL

Requires a Master's or a Doctorate Degree and license as a mental health professional (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Psychologist.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general guidance and direction from the Aging and Disability Services Director or Child and Family Services Director. The employee has wide latitude for independent, professional, decision-making, using sound judgment in one's assigned area of specialization. Work is periodically reviewed through internal and external reviews, conferences, and written reports.

The incumbent directs and oversees the work of others; including, program/service planning and delivery, personnel selection, evaluation of work performance, training, and disciplinary activities. Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.

The incumbent promotes employee professional development and provides coaching and mentoring to others

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

• Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.
• Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.
• Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.
• Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.
• Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.
• Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.
• Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of social work, social services, and family dynamics.
• Knowledge of professional ethics and boundaries.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and county laws and regulations concerning assigned program area.
• Knowledge of social and economic problems and Family Systems Theory.
• Knowledge and demonstration of culturally responsive practices to support diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Knowledge of budgeting principles and practices.
• Knowledge of records management practices and policies.
• Knowledge and 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.
• Knowledge of agency organization, policies, and services.
• Knowledge of Data Privacy practices to ensure that client and agency records meet statutory requirements.
• Knowledge of community and other available resources.
• Knowledge of county policies, procedures, and labor contracts.
• Ability to organize work efficiently and effectively and analyze complex case situations and evaluate potential for improvement.
• Ability to establish high quality working standards and motivate staff to achieve high levels of performance.
• Ability to effectively recruit, hire, supervise, and lead a team of professional and para-professional employees.
• Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.
• Ability to use MS Office software and other state and local technologies for the performance of essential duties.
• Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, typically in an office setting. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing multiple and varied needs/demands of services. Incumbents may be exposed to uncooperative, angry, disoriented, and sometimes hostile individuals. .

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.