Family Based Services Provider- Polk County

Polk County Social Services has an opening for a full-time permanent Family Based Service Provider position in East Grand Forks, MN. 

Under supervision, assists professional staff in the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect; works directly in the home to reduce the incidence of abuse and neglect and to prevent or shorten out-of-home placement; works toward reunification of family in out-of-home placements; and performs related work as assigned.

Polk County in northwestern Minnesota offers a variety of activities, including exploring parks and trails, visiting historical sites, and enjoying outdoor recreation.

East Grand Forks is characterized by small town friendliness and hosts several community events including Catfish Days, fishing tournaments, Heritage Days and Arts and Crafts exposition each year.

Polk County offers a highly competitive benefits package including affordable healthcare plans through BCBS with attractive low-cost family healthcare plans, dental, vision, life, long-term and short-term disability coverage; flexible spending accounts; PERA retirement with contributions made by the County, vacation and sick leave, and access to many other health and wellness programs.  

Polk County Social Services is dedicated to providing quality services through social and financial assistance programs to individuals and families in an equitable, compassionate manner, which affirms the value and uniqueness of each individual.

These services are provided by a professional staff committed to enhancing the quality of life for people while ensuring the cost-effective expenditure of public funds consistent with state and federal requirements.

See examination process below for information on how to apply.  Merit System Examples of Duties
• Assesses family dynamics in conjunction with the social worker in order to determine needs and level of service to be provided family.
• Develops concrete goals and expectations in conjunction with the social worker and the family.
• Demonstrates and teaches clients parenting skills, nurturing skills, discipline methods and child growth and development.
• Demonstrates and teaches household, time and money management techniques.
• Teaches clients health, safety and nutritional needs of the family and how to meet these needs.
• Teaches clients how to effectively deal with/manage stress.
• Demonstrates and teaches verbal and nonverbal communication skills.
• Serves as an appropriate role model for families and provides on-going support and encouragement to clients in order to build self-esteem.
• Assists family members to understand and cope with separation and loss issues.
• Gives testimony in court for agency or may accompany client to court to give support.
• Recognizes and reports indicators of neglect and emotional, physical and sexual abuse of both children and adults.
• Makes appropriate referrals to other community agencies if signs or symptoms of other problems are exhibited.
• Guides the client in the development or restoration of socialization skills, including the ability to use recreation effectively.
• Documents significant information in case files and prepares written reports for social workers.
• Assists in the formation and implementation of parent education classes and encourages and assists parents in participating in them and other support groups.
• May serve as protective payee for client, which includes setting up budgets, negotiating with creditors, balancing checking accounts and distributing checks.Minnesota Merit System Minimum Qualifications
High school graduate (or GED equivalent) and two (2) years of home management experience whichincludeschild care experience (application must define timeframe and home/child care detailed work experience);

OR

Two (2) years of accredited, related, college coursework with emphasis in home economics, child development, health, social work, sociology, psychology, or a related behavioral science.

Candidates must indicate the total number of years of home management and child care experience on an attachment to the application. 

The examination will consist entirely of a experience and training rating.  Candidates will be asked to complete a supplementary questionnaire which covers:

• education;
• knowledge of child development and child care methods;
• experience providing training on a one-to-one basis or to small groups;
• experience working in an agency providing social services;
• knowledge of home management principles; and
• written communications.

Candidates must indicate the total number of years of home management and child care experience on an attachment to the application.  

To apply for this position:  

Complete a Merit System application by clicking this link: 920-OC   Family Based Services Provider

Wage range for this position is $26.56 - $33.64/hour. For more information about the position, please contact Alicia Kieckbusch at 218-470-8428. Deadline to apply is July 10,  2026.   Polk County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.