Social Worker - Shelter Operations

POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive
DEPARTMENT: Social Services
HOURS: Full-time
PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $73,515 - $82,705/annually (Salary grade 108)
FULL SALARY RANGE: $73,515 - $114,868/annually
LOCATION: This position will be located at the county shelter sites currently located in Mendota Heights and Inver Grove Heights; this is a full-time on-site position.
UNION: AFSCME
CLOSE DATE: 4:30pm on 11/27/2026

Under supervision and within state, federal and local laws, regulations and policies, Social Workers identify client needs and funding sources, create and develop a service plan and implement, monitor and evaluate the service plan.

The Shelter Operations Social Worker works directly with clients who are residing in hotel-based shelter and supports clients with behavioral supports and operation support to the shelter. This position will be responsible for day-to-day hotel environment management, immediate behavioral needs, engagement, and maintaining a safe and stable shelter setting. Social Workers will remain on-site between two hotel locations sufficient to respond to participant needs, Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm.

NEED TO HAVE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or related Human Services field

• One year full-time professional experience in a social services agency OR Two years full-time para-professional experience in a social services agency.

• Valid Driver's License

• Previous experience working in a shelter setting and/or with single adults experiencing homelessness.

• Previous experience responding to mental health crises.

• Knowledge of motivational interviewing, de-escalation skills and person-centered practices.

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. Lead daily operations of shelter including:
   1. Supporting participants to comply with shelter policies and guidelines.
   2. Lead role helping participants with shelter entry, exit and transition planning.
   3. Lead coordinator with hotel staff to address building function issues and behavioral concerns.
2. Maintain regular and respectful communication that is trauma-informed and supportive of participant's goals and priorities.
3. Assist with providing resources for basic needs.
4. Create and maintain positive and trusting relationships with participants.
5. Collaborate with housing social workers to provide wraparound services and support.
6. Provide referrals to mental, chemical and physical health providers and services when appropriate.
7. Respond to crises as needed including coordination with the Dakota County Crisis Response Unit and law enforcement, as needed.
8. Complete timely and complete documentation and reporting as required.

• Ability to establish rapport quickly with people experiencing crisis through use of trauma informed care, person centered care and a strengths-based approach.
• Ability to work respectfully with clients, coworkers and key stakeholders who are diverse with respect to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status and religion.
• Knowledge of community resources to meet basic needs of participants and support services such as medical, mental health and chemical health.
• Ability to address participant behaviors that interfere with programming and safety in a manner that is consistent, equitable and person-centered.
• Ability to adhere to program policies and procedures and communicate expectations to participants effectively.
• Ability to assess safety and risk factors, respond to crisis situations and make sound independent decisions.
• Ability to meet expectations regarding paperwork and documentation through organizational skills, a strong attention to detail and the ability to work efficiently and accurately.
• Competency using technology and computers.