Social Worker Principal

Ramsey County

Saint Paul, MN

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$86,909.94–$130,364.92 Per Year
SKILLS
Adoption, Bond Market, Career Development, Community and Social Services, Data Analysis, Dental Insurance, Disciplinary Action, E Programming Language, Employee Benefits, Establish Priorities, Fellowship, Government, Health Plan, Homeland Security, Interpret Regulations, Legal, Maintain Compliance, People Management, Policy Development, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Procedure Development, Project Tracking, Project/Program Management, Quality Monitoring, Regulations, Reimbursement, Retirement Plan, Service Delivery, Set Goals, Social Sciences, Social Security Administration, Social Work, Special Needs, Staff Requirements, State Laws and Regulations, Training/Teaching, Trend Analysis, Vision Plan
LOCATION
Saint Paul, MN
POSTED
4 days ago

Social Worker Principal

Salary

$86,909.94 - $130,364.92 Annually

Location

(RCGC WEST) Saint Paul, MN

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2026-00375

Department

Social Services

Division

AS/ADS/Vendor Liaisons

Opening Date

07/24/2026

Closing Date

8/6/2026 11:59 PM Central

Union

Ramsey County Supervisors Association

FLSA Status

nonexempt

  • Description
  • Benefits
  • Questions

Position Summary

Ramsey County has openings for Social Worker Principal positions. An eligibility list established through this recruitment may also be used to fill additional vacancies within the department or other county departments.

Opportunities are in:

  • Aging and Disability Services For more information about this position click here

To supervise and direct the work of a unit in the Social Services Department that provides social services within a designated program or specialty area; to plan, organize, assign, schedule, monitor, coordinate and evaluate the work of unit members; to provide training and guidance; to provide diagnostic and consultative services within the specialty area; to assist Human Service Managers in program, policy and procedural development; and to perform related duties as assigned.

Examples of Work Performed

  • Promote a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.
  • Supervise the work of social workers, case aides and clerical staff in a Social Service work unit by hiring staff, assigning cases, evaluating work performance and providing guidance for development; ensuring staff compliance with federal, state and local departmental laws, policies, procedures and regulations; conducting case consultations and unit meetings with social workers to monitor service delivery and resolve problems; recommending and administering disciplinary action; and otherwise supervising unit activities.
  • Maintain liaison with representatives of public and private social service agencies; represent the unit or department in committee assignments, in interactions with community groups and in public speaking engagements.
  • Collect and analyze unit data to monitor trends and developments relating to client and program needs, resource availability and staffing needs; recommend program priorities to the Human Services Manager and set priorities, goals and standards for the unit.
  • Receive and respond to complaints or informational requests from clients, officials and the public.
  • Recommend legal actions to the courts regarding client cases.
  • Develop recommendations for review by Division director or Department Director on methods for implementation of changes in federal, state or local laws, regulations and policies affecting target population served.
  • Plan, develop and present informational or training sessions to unit staff.
  • Review and make recommendations on the impact of specific legislation, and serve on DHS rule-making committees as directed.
  • Assist in interpreting laws, policies, rules and regulations.

(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this work and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the positions management approved work schedule is required.)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a social/behavioral science, or equivalent; and any combination of 23 credits or 230 continuing education hours in fields relating to social work.

Experience: Six years of social work experience or equivalent.

Substitution: Experience as a Ramsey County Case Aide Senior may substitute for general social work experience on the basis that two years of Case Aide Senior experience equals one year of general social work experience. A maximum of six years of Ramsey County Case Aide Senior experience can be substituted for general social work experience.

A Master's Degree in Social Work may substitute for two years of the experience requirement.

Certifications/Licensure: None.

Exam/Screening Process Information

The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:

  • Training and Experience Rating = 100%

The examination for Social Worker Principal will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions - do not mark "see resume" or "see work history" do not cut and paste resume as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.

Eligible List: The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as a Social Worker Principal. The list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for three months or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted, informing them that the list has been posted. The names of all applicants who pass the examination with a score of 60 or higher will be forwarded to the department for further consideration.

Veterans Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veterans Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veterans preference should update their veterans DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.

Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.

E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employees Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance or national origin.

Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives being equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide, will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.

To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application(Download PDF reader)(Download PDF reader). You will need to print off this posting and also answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them if you complete a paper application.

For further information regarding this posting, please contact Nirvana.Wallace@RamseyCountyMN.gov

Ramsey County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health, well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status/contract language. A summary of benefits is provided below. Detailed information is available for review at https://assets.ramseycountymn.gov/files/2026-02/Total%20Rewards%20Guide%202026.pdf

  • Medical, dental and vision insurance

  • The County contributes a bargained percentage to the medical and dental monthly premium

  • Employees choose from four enrollment tiers: Single, Employee + legally married spouse, Employee + Child(ren), Family

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance - three plan options including a High Deductible Plan with a Health Saving Account offered. Earn up to $20/month in electronic gift cards for each enrolled employee or spouse for wellness activity

  • MetLife Dental Insurance - two plan options offered

  • VSP Vision Insurance - Advantage Plan offered

  • Pre-tax Benefit Program

  • Pre-tax medical, dental, vision monthly premium deduction option

  • Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts

  • County monthly contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees who elect the High Deductible medical plan

  • Paid time off

  • Vacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 12 to 25 days per year (pro-rated for part-time employees)

  • 11 scheduled holidays and two floating holidays

  • Up to eight weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional use of sick time as noted below

  • Sick hours accrued at a rate of three weeks per year, which can be used for medical and dental care; injury or illness for you, your spouse or children; the birth or adoption of a child (up to 80 hours) or the death of a family member (up to 40 hours)

  • Wellness incentive allows conversion of unused sick time to vacation or pay

  • Retirement benefits

  • Pension - The county contributes at least 7.5% of your salary to your pension, depending on bargaining unit. Unlike other retirement investments, pension payments are a lifetime benefit once you start collecting payments

  • New employees become vested after three years. For the Police and Fire union, employees are vested after 10 years

  • Deferred compensation - 457(b) account with employer match

  • Health Care Savings Plan - all benefits-eligible employees contribute 1% of gross regular salary to a Health Care Savings Plan account for eligible health care expenses after retirement. Interest accrues tax free. County provides a scheduled contribution after five years of participation

  • Transit and parking

  • Fully funded Metropass.

  • Transportation/parking expenses reimbursement account

  • Employee well-being

  • Employee assistance program, including telephone counseling, financial counseling, rideshare benefits, etc.

  • Wellness programming

  • Flexible work policy with hybrid work options for eligible positions

  • Life Insurance and Disability leave

  • County provided Basic Life coverage - 1x annual salary, minimum $10,000 up to a maximum of $50,000. Optional supplemental coverage available

  • Long-term Disability - County provided coverage replaces 40% of the employee's lost income after six months of disability, subject to a $5,000 monthly maximum. Option to purchase an additional 20% income replacement up to $7,500 monthly maximum

  • Short-term Disability - option to purchase 60% income replacement coverage with 30, 60 or 90-day waiting period

  • Career development

  • Tuition reimbursement, up to $4,000 per year

  • Online professional development opportunities through the Learning & Development Center

  • County employment qualifies as a public service organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

  • Employee resource groups - help employees build connections through common bonds with colleagues

For information about Ramsey Countys 2026 benefits, visit: https://assets.ramseycountymn.gov/files/2026-02/Total%20Rewards%20Guide%202026.pdf

01

  • Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening process. The supplemental questionnaire will be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Provide complete information for each question. Do not write "see resume" as it is not an acceptable answer. The experiences you indicate in your responses will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Select "yes" if you have read and understand.
  • Yes
  • No

02

  • Please select the option that best applies to you if you have completed or are currently participating in any of the following Public Sector Partnership Programs at Ramsey County.
  • HIRED Partnership Program
  • Project for Pride in Living (PPL) Partnership Program
  • Ramsey County Workforce Solutions
  • Ramsey County Internship (including Right Track Plus)
  • Fellowship at Ramsey County
  • Limited-Duration Assignment at Ramsey County
  • Provisional Assignment at Ramsey County
  • Temporary Opportunity at Ramsey County
  • Work Experience Program (e.g., Young Adult Career Academy)
  • Job Shadow Experience at Ramsey County
  • No, I have not participated in any of the above

03

Do you have a Bachelors Degree in a social/behavioral science? PLEASE NOTE THAT YOUR DEGREE MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE CLOSE OF THIS POSTING.

  • Yes
  • No

04

Pleas indicate completed degree(s). State the name of the institution, the field of study, and the month and year of graduation. If this does not apply, please type "N/A" in the space below.

05

Do you have 6 years (full-time equivalent) of social work experience?

  • Yes
  • No

06

Please list where you gained your social work experience, including the name and size of the organization, your role, the length of time in the position. If you indicated no social work experience, type "N/A" in the space below. *

07

Please select the option describes your formal supervisory experience? Experience should include responsibility for direct reports, hiring, discipline, performance evaluations, training, staff development. DO NOT INCLUDE SUPERVISION OF INTERNS OR VOLUNTEERS.

  • Less than one year of supervisory experience
  • One to two full-time years of formal supervisory experience
  • Two to three full-time years of formal supervisory experience
  • Three or more full-time years of formal supervisory experience

08

Please select from the following options that best describes training you have completed that has prepared you to be a Manager/Supervisor? (Check all that apply)

  • I have not completed any management or supervisory training
  • I have completed coursework or received training in human services management or business management
  • I have completed coursework or received training in managing conflict
  • I have completed coursework or received training in managing projects

09

Please indicate which of the following populations have you worked with for a year or more? (Check all that apply)

  • People with differing abilities
  • People experiencing Mental Health Issues
  • People experiencing Substance Use Issues
  • People experiencing Economic Hardships
  • Children requiring Child Protection or Adult Services
  • None of the above

10

Please select which of the following describe(s) examples of work activities you have performed? (Check all that apply)

  • I have participated in interviewing or other hiring activities
  • I have provided feedback and guidance for the professional development of others
  • I have helped ensure compliance with federal, state and local departmental laws, policies, procedures and regulations
  • I have conducted case consultations to monitor service delivery and resolve problems
  • I have planned, developed and/or presented informational or training sessions to staff
  • None of the above

11

Please select which of the following describe(s) your experience as a Lead Worker? (Check all that apply)

  • I have served as a lead worker or senior staff member responsible for coordinating day-to-day work activities
  • I have assigned or balanced caseloads/work assignments for staff
  • I have provided guidance, mentoring, or on-the-job training to staff
  • I have served as a resource for case consultation and problem resolution
  • I have monitored work quality or service delivery and provided feedback
  • I have facilitated team meetings or case staffing discussions
  • None of the above

12

Please provide a brief description about when and where you gained the experience you indicated in questions 7-11. Include the names of the organizations and your title. If you did not indicate performing any of the work listed, type "N/A" in the space below.

Required Question

Employer Ramsey County

Address 121 East Seventh Place

Mail Stop 5200

Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55101

Phone (651) 266-2700

Website http://agency.governmentjobs.com/ramsey/default.cfm

About the Company

R

Ramsey County