Social Worker I - CPS

CalHR • Lakeport, CA

2d

About The Position

Social Worker I is the entry/trainee level in the professional Social Worker series. Under close and constant supervision, incumbents learn social work principles, casework methods, procedures, policies, social service programs, and departmental rules and regulations while carrying a limited, non-complex caseload. The role includes basic social services casework, identifying clients who need more intensive services and making referrals, and managing a caseload that may become increasingly difficult as the employee develops skills and knowledge. Typical assignments are in child welfare and adult services, but assignments to employment services may be made based on departmental needs. Employees receive in-service training and casework consultation, and are expected to advance to Social Worker II after one year of satisfactory trainee-level performance unless the position is permanently allocated to the Social Worker I level.

Incumbents receive direct supervision from a Social Worker Supervisor or another higher-level supervisor or manager. The position may involve home visits, work in emotionally charged or emergency settings, and on-call work. A hiring incentive of 10% of annual pay, capped at $10,000, is available to eligible first-time hires and is paid in three installments. For this position, the estimated incentive is $6,017.44; employees who leave before completing two years must repay it on a prorated basis.

Requirements

• Meet one of the education and experience patterns: graduation from an accredited four-year college or university; or completion of 30 semester units or 45 quarter units at 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, plus either one year of full-time experience in a 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 public or private agency.
• A valid driver's license is required at the time of interview, subject to case-by-case review for applicants unable to meet the requirement due to a disability.
• Complete required pre-employment screening, including background checks and fingerprinting; background requirements include fingerprinting, citizenship verification, and local law enforcement checks.
• Be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship by the employment start date.
• Demonstrate integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, ability to work cooperatively, and health consistent with the assigned duties; a medical examination may be required.
• Understand and learn agency programs, policies, and procedures; gather facts and recognize their relevance; organize work; and maintain effective professional relationships.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing; analyze situations and data; interpret and apply policies, rules, procedures, and regulations; and develop appropriate responses.
• Develop interviewing, case recording, and interpretation skills; work effectively in community settings and use appropriate resources and services.
• Maintain confidentiality, work effectively in stressful or emotionally charged settings, accept constructive feedback, and interact respectfully with clients, including difficult or distressed clients.
• Operate a personal computer and other office equipment and software, including systems used to enter and retrieve case data and narratives.

Responsibilities

• Interview clients, family members, and others in homes, offices, 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 and, when applicable, provide information to law enforcement or district attorneys.
• Develop and carry out culturally sensitive, non-complex to moderate treatment plans and help clients and family members work toward case-plan goals.
• Refer clients to staff or community resources for direct, intensive, or specialized services, and advocate for appropriate 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.
• Make 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 activities.
• 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 other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Hiring incentive of 10% of annual pay, not to exceed $10,000, for eligible first-time hires; estimated at $6,017.44 for this position and paid in three installments.
• Flexible office hours are available for most positions, with weekday schedules between 6:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
• Remote work from home is available for some positions with approval from the Lake County Department of Social Services.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level