Children's Services Social Worker II/III (Open and Promotional)

County of San Mateo • San Mateo, CA

14h • Hybrid

About The Position

The County of San Mateo's Human Services Agency (HSA) is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Children's Services Social Worker II/III within the Children and Family Services (CFS) branch. This recruitment prioritizes filling positions within the Weekend Unit, including after-hour and grave shifts, located at the Central Region Office. Social Workers in these roles are responsible for screening and responding to emergency referrals outside of traditional business hours. Children and Family Services is dedicated to ensuring the safety, permanency, and well-being of children by collaborating with families, caregivers, and communities. The role involves responding to child welfare referrals, assessing safety, engaging families, coordinating services, and connecting children and caregivers with necessary resources. This demanding yet meaningful work requires compassion, resilience, flexibility, and sound judgment, with an emphasis on navigating changing priorities and urgent situations. The agency seeks individuals committed to learning, growth, collaboration, curiosity, and adaptability, who can contribute to improving outcomes for children and families. Successful candidates will be open to feedback, dedicated to professional development, and committed to a team environment.

Requirements

• A commitment to serving children and families with compassion, respect, and cultural humility.
• The ability to build relationships and collaborate with children, families, colleagues, community partners, and other professionals.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and make sound decisions in complex and time-sensitive situations.
• A willingness to learn, grow, and develop knowledge and skills in child welfare practice.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team while also exercising independent judgment.
• Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/ limited term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score.
• A supplemental application form must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form.
• Based solely on the information provided in the application materials, an application screening committee will select those applicants whose education, training and experience most closely matches the needs of the department.
• Those selected will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%) which may include the evaluation of a written or performance exercise given immediately preceding the interview.

Responsibilities

• Screening and responding to emergency response referrals outside of traditional business hours.
• Performing critical work including responding to child welfare referrals.
• Assessing safety of children.
• Engaging with families.
• Coordinating services.
• Helping connect children and caregivers with resources and support.

Benefits

• Shift differential eligibility
• Sign-on bonus of up to $15,000 for eligible candidates
• On-site Clinical Support through the Secondary Trauma Action Team
• Telework option (one day per week for eligible assignments starting January 2027, with a minimum of four days on-site)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed