Community Living Specialist - Older Adults (SW/PHN)

POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive
DEPARTMENT: Social Services
HOURS: Full-time
PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $70,518 - $79,333/annually (Salary Grade 108)
FULL SALARY RANGE: $70,518 - $110,185/annually
LOCATION: Hybrid; remote and in-person at the Northern Service Center, West St. Paul
UNION: AFSCME 306 (SW) or MNA (PHN)
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on 11/20/2025

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 Community Living Specialist (Social Worker) role performs functions related to eligibility, assessments and/or case management for older adults, people who have a disability, and those at risk for placement in a nursing/hospital/intermediate care facility, who are requesting or receiving home and community based services.

This position is for a MnCHOICES Certified Assessor. This individual will perform functions related to eligibility for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and/or people with developmental disabilities using the MnCHOICES tool/processes. This position will work across initial assessment and annual reassessment.

This specific position will work primarily with the following population:

Older Adults: Individuals age 65 and over who are requesting services through the Essential Community Supports (ECS) and Alternative Care (AC) programs, and through the Elderly Waiver (EW) to support independent community living or assistance for funding assisted living services.

To Qualify as a SOCIAL WORKER:

• 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; AND
• Valid Driver's license.

To Qualify as a PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE:

• 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; AND
• Valid Driver's license.

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.

Essential Functions: 1-11

1. Effectively engages individuals/families to assess needs and strengths, determines eligibility for services, and evaluates level of safety and/or risk.
2. Performs face-to-face assessments of persons with disabilities or functional limitations to determine eligibility for home and community-based services (HCBS).
3. Identifies additional supports/services which may benefit persons being served, provides information and/or referrals to other county departments or community agencies, and collaborates effectively with all stakeholders.
4. Constructs and implements individualized service plan per relevant policies, procedures, statutes, and professional practices using person-centered planning.
5. Completes federal, state, and agency required documentation for all persons assessed.
6. Assesses and monitors persons being served for progress towards goals through a review of required contacts, service plan adjustments and documentation of coordination of services with various service providers.
7. Responds effectively in crises situations. Develops and implements a safety plan for persons served to maximize safety and minimize community risk.
8. Attends regular and periodic meetings and trainings consistent with the role and participates on work teams as requested.
9. Other duties as assigned such as supporting community emergency response functions per county emergency response plan.
10. Demonstrates a commitment to support cultural diversity county wide, actively supports Dakota County's inclusion, diversity, and equity initiatives, and works to address the needs of diverse and underserved communities.

• Knowledge of human development, 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 diagnoses, 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 people who receive services and work colleagues effectively.
• Demonstrates an understanding of and respect for the diversity of customers, co-workers, and supervisors, including individuals with disabilities or whose first language may be other than English.