Social Worker I

CalHR•Quincy, CA

About The Position

Social Worker I is the entry/trainee level in the professional Social Worker series. Under close and constant supervision, the employee learns social work principles, casework methods, social service programs, and departmental rules and procedures; receives in-service training and carries a limited, non-complex caseload. As skills and knowledge develop, the employee exercises greater independence and takes on the full scope of responsibility. Typical assignments are in child welfare and adult services, though the agency may assign employees to employment services based on department needs. Unless permanently allocated at the Social Worker I level, employees are expected to advance to Social Worker II after one year of satisfactory performance at the trainee level. The position performs basic social services casework, identifies needs requiring more intensive services and makes referrals, and handles cases ranging from moderately difficult to increasingly difficult as competence develops. Incumbents receive direct supervision from a Social Worker Supervisor or another higher-level supervisor or manager. Duties are performed in accordance with agency, state, and federal requirements and the NASW Code of Ethics, including maintaining client confidentiality. Retention bonuses are offered: $2,500 upon completion of hiring, $2,500 one year after hire, and $5,000 after the second full year of employment. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis. Qualifying candidates will receive instructions to complete a training and experience examination within 30 days of applying. Candidates need a minimum score of 70% to qualify for the eligible list.

Requirements

Pattern 1: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university; or Pattern 2: successful completion of 30 semester units or 45 quarter units from an accredited college or university, including 15 semester units or 22.5 quarter units in social welfare, social/human services, sociology, or another social or behavioral science.
In addition to Pattern 2, one year of full-time experience in the Social Service Aide, Eligibility Specialist II, Employment and Training Worker II, or comparable classification; or three years of full-time experience providing direct client services to disadvantaged adults or children in a private or public agency.
Ability to learn agency programs, policies, and procedures; obtain facts and recognize their relevance; organize and maintain work; and establish effective client rapport and professional working relationships.
Effective oral and written communication, including telephone and in-person communication; interviewing, case recording, and interpretation skills; and the ability to explain social service programs, policies, rules, and regulations.
Ability to analyze situations and data, interpret and apply directions, rules, policies, procedures, and regulations, and develop appropriate responses.
Ability to work in community settings and use appropriate community resources and services.
Ability to maintain confidentiality in accordance with legal standards and county regulations.
Ability to work effectively in emotionally charged, stressful, or emergency settings; interact respectfully and professionally with clients, including difficult, hostile, or distressed clients; and respect cultural differences.
Ability to work with cases of varying difficulty, including clients with dual diagnoses, potentially dangerous clients, or legally complex cases.
Ability to operate a personal computer, office equipment, and software.
Ability to accept and use constructive feedback.
General personal qualifications include integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively, and health consistent with performing assigned duties.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship by the employment start date.
Applicants using education to meet minimum qualifications must attach transcripts; foreign transcripts require an evaluation indicating equivalent units.

Responsibilities

Interview clients, family members, and others at home, in the office, or by telephone to assess basic social, physical, and mental needs and obtain health information.
Conduct case studies and evaluate individual and family information to assess the safety of children and adults and determine appropriate treatment methods.
Assess reports of suspected abuse; provide information to law enforcement or district attorneys as applicable; and be available for on-call work if required.
Develop and carry out culturally sensitive, non-complex to moderate treatment plans for an assigned caseload, and help clients and families develop strategies to meet case-plan goals.
Refer clients to staff or community resources for direct, intensive, or specialized services, and advocate for appropriate services, including enabling services.
Assist applicants and recipients in using available resources.
Explain agency policies, rules, and regulations to applicants, clients, and others within the scope of responsibility.
Conduct home visits related to casework assignments.
Prepare and maintain case records and databases, and communicate decisions, timelines, recommendations, and case plans to clients, families, and service providers.
Testify in court when required.
Participate in in-service training and staff development to build social work knowledge and technical competence.
Receive casework consultation from professionally trained staff.
Provide community outreach for agency programs.
Maintain client confidentiality and perform duties in accordance with the NASW Code of Ethics.
Perform related duties as assigned.