Description

Otter Tail County is accepting applications for a full-time Social Worker - Early Engagement Pilot Program.

The Early Engagement Social Worker position supports individuals living with serious and persistent mental illness in accessing voluntary mental health services, aiming to reduce the risk of civil commitment. This position focuses on individuals at high risk for civil commitment, using motivational and person-centered approaches to connect them to services, supports, and treatment options that promote mental health stabilization and symptom management. The Early Engagement Social Worker will also provide psychoeducation and support for family members and social supports.

Please note: This is a limited duration position funded for two years through a legislative allocation to pilot early engagement services to reduce civil commitments. If the pilot is successful, there may be opportunities to continue providing these services beyond the initial timeframe.

APPLY HERE:  https://ottertailcounty.gov/job-opening/social-worker-early-engagement-pilot/

Examples of Duties

• Provide a minimum of 90 days of assertive, person-centered, engagement services to individuals who have been identified as being at high risk of civil commitment, including providing psychoeducation and support for family members and support systems. 
• Use motivational interviewing approaches to explore barriers to symptom management, mental health stability, and voluntary treatment 
• Provide hands-on assistance in reducing barriers to mental health stability (including access to housing, food, income, disability verification, medication access, and medical treatment) 
• Complete Diagnostic Assessments, as needed, for expedited access to Targeted Case Management and /or other mental health related services 
• Assist individuals in accessing mental health services 
• Engage individual’s existing support systems, including providing psychoeducation, education on restricting means of harm, suicide prevention, and general support 
• Establish and maintain a working relationship with providers and resources that may be a referral source or working contact; development of public relations and early intervention activities  
• Advocate and develop system changes and service development
• Consult with program/team staff
• Interpret rules/policy related to Diagnostic Assessments 
• Represent team, department or agency in community assignments and groups.
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Administrative tasks
  • Attend staff and supervisory meetings as scheduled
  • Attend conferences as scheduled or agreed upon with supervisor
  • Attend training as related to job responsibilities
  • Complete required documentation, agency time sheets, and employee records in a timely manner
  • Utilize SSIS as the case management system, including time documentation and case notes. Utilize the electronic document management system for case records, and other systems as applicable.
  • Communicate schedule changes with supervisor
  • Utilize agency status board consistently to keep agency staff aware of availability
  • May assist with duties and responsibilities as outlined in the County Emergency Operations Plan and Continuity of Operations Plan

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work, counseling, or closely related field; AND 
• Be licensed in the State of Minnesota (or eligible for licensure) as an independent mental health professional (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)); AND
• A minimum of 2 years of experience working with individuals with a diagnosis of a serious and persistent mental illness, including experience completing Diagnostic Assessments 
• Valid Driver's License in the State of Minnesota

Supplemental Information

This is a full-time, 40 hours/week position, and generally the work hours are Monday-Friday 8:00-4:30 p.m. The 2025 starting salary is $33.43 per hour, depending on qualifications, with potential career advancement to $53.02 per hour.  

The selection process will include an online employment application and supplemental questionnaire.  Semi-finalists will be invited to interview.  Prior to hire, finalist will be required to pass a background investigation and reference check.  A standard one-year probationary period applies.

Please note:  This position is considered a safety-sensitive position due to the essential job duties in accordance with Minn. Stat. §181.950, Subd. 13.  Safety-sensitive employees are subject to pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing.  In addition, all employees are subject to drug and alcohol testing upon reasonable suspicion/cause, return-to-duty, follow-up, and post-accident. 
 
How to Apply
To apply for this position, click on desired job title, then the "Apply" link.  On-line applications are stored on a secure site.  Only you and authorized employees of Otter Tail County have access to the information submitted.

When filling out any employment application materials for Otter Tail County, you must include your entire employment and education history.  Failure to do so may render your application incomplete.

Veterans Preference
Eligible veterans as defined by Minnesota Statute 197.447 may claim Veterans Preference during the hiring process.  A DD214 and required supporting documentation must be included with the employment application to receive preference.

Background Investigation
All employment offers are contingent upon the applicant passing a background investigation which may include, but are not limited to, gathering information from the following sources: Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, other law enforcement agencies, court documents, educational institutions, previous employers, Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, military records, Immigration and Naturalization Services, and known associates of the applicant.

Criminal convictions are not an automatic bar to employment.  Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought.  Making false statements or withholding information during the hiring process will cause you to be barred from employment or removed from employment.

Otter Tail County is a tobacco-free workplace.

Otter Tail County does not discriminate on the basis of political affiliation, race, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, sex (pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation), marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, disability, or genetic information.

Equal Opportunity Employer