Case Specialist - Community Living Services (CLS)

POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive
DEPARTMENT: Social Services
HOURS: Full-time
PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $56,217 - $63,244/yr (Salary Grade 106)
FULL SALARY RANGE: $56,217 - $87,839/yr
LOCATION: Hybrid; telework and in person at Northern Service Center, West St. Paul
UNION: AFSCME 306
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on 7/9/2025

Come join us at Dakota County and "Be more". Dakota County employs over 2,100 skilled individuals whose talents and contributions make Dakota County a premier place to live and work. The work of county government is unique. 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. The County aims to reflect the community and clients it serves and fosters an equitable and respectful working environment where everyone is empowered to be their authentic selves.

This position is responsible to serve a lead role within assigned tasks, provide recommendations to management as well as provide direction to others performing work within related processes. Case specialist positions in the department supervise, administer, and implement client-based programs involving direct contact with people served by the Community Living Services program area, and contain multiple types of responsibilities within each role.

NEED TO HAVE QUALIFICATIONS:
* Bachelor's degree in human services or a related field
OR
* Combination of related education and experience with social services to total four years

Required license(s):
* Valid Driver's License

NICE TO HAVE QUALIFICATIONS:
* Previous experience in Human Services
* Experience with disability and/or aging services

*Pursuant to Dakota County Policy, this position is designated as Safety Sensitive. "Safety-sensitive position" means a position, including any supervisory or management position, in which impairment caused by drug, alcohol, or cannabis use would threaten the health and safety of any person as defined in Minnesota Statutes Section 181.950, subdivision 13.

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. Provide prompt response for processing urgent screenings, data requests, service authorizations, or general questions.
2. Assist team members with coverage for workload balancing.
3. Serve as lead for training, mentorship and collaboration with supervisor and team.
4. Recommend, develop and document internal procedures and update training materials or manuals. May also assist with creating new processes to accommodate workflow changes.
5. Act as a primary contact for issue escalation from program coordinators and contracted staff.
6. Provide leadership for administrative consult sessions.
7. Coordinate with supervisor to identify gaps in process, continuity or communication.
8. Subject matter expert for administrative functions related to Community Living Services programs. This includes waiver, non-waiver, MnCHOICES Initial Assessment and Re-assessment and transfer cases (i.e. County of Residence, County of Location, Courtesy Case Management, Out of Community and OBRA processes).
9. Provide guidance/training/support for new assessors completing MnCHOICES assessments.
10. Serve as a resource regarding information maintained in state and county databases. Includes tracking or updating information and escalating/troubleshooting state system errors related to assessments or re-assessments.
11. Demonstrate 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.
12. Other duties as assigned.

* Knowledge of State laws and rules, County policy and applicable guidelines and mandates related to program and service delivery.
* Knowledge of department programs and procedures related regulations and policies.
* Knowledge of data privacy regulations.
* Knowledge of community resources and programs.
* Interviewing skills.
* Demonstrated skill in organization, detail orientation, and logical thinking.
* Ability to work under stress and deal with multiple tasks at once.
* Comprehensive knowledge of computer software and information systems.
* Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
* 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.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in a hybrid environment in line with county telework policy. Lifting requirement of up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis. Types of equipment used include, but are not limited to, automobile, computer, telephone, copy and fax machine.

SELECTION PROCESS: The examination/selection process for this classification will consist of a rating of your training and experience from the application materials submitted. The top scoring candidates will be forwarded to the hiring department for further consideration.