Social Worker I

CalHR•Crescent City, CA

About The Position

Social Worker I is the entry/trainee class in the professional Social Worker series. Working under close supervision, incumbents learn social work principles, casework methods and techniques, social service programs, and departmental policies and procedures. They carry a limited, non-complex caseload and receive in-service training and close, ongoing supervision. Assignments are typically in child welfare and adult services, but may be in employment services as agency needs require. As skills and knowledge develop, employees exercise greater independence and take on the full scope of responsibility. Unless permanently allocated to the Social Worker I level because of the nature of the work, employees are expected to advance to Social Worker II after one year of satisfactory trainee-level performance. Incumbents receive direct supervision from a Social Worker Supervisor or another higher-level supervisor or manager. The recruitment may be used to fill full-time, part-time, and extra-help vacancies. A valid driver’s license may be required at appointment; employees may also need to drive their own car and provide proof of insurance and DMV clearance. The County requires proof of eligibility to work in the United States. A medical examination and background investigation may be required as part of hiring.

Requirements

Meet one of the following education patterns: graduation from an accredited four-year college or university; OR 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 or human services, sociology, or another social or behavioral science.
For the second education pattern, also meet one of the following experience requirements: 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 public or private agency.
Understand and learn agency programs, policies, and procedures; gather facts and recognize their relevance; and organize and maintain work.
Establish and maintain effective rapport and professional working relationships with clients, agency staff, and others.
Communicate effectively orally and in writing, interview clients, record case information, and interpret information.
Analyze situations and data, apply directions, rules, policies, procedures, and regulations, and develop appropriate responses.
Explain public social service programs, policies, rules, and regulations to applicants, recipients, and others.
Use community resources and services effectively and maintain confidentiality in accordance with legal standards and county regulations.
Work effectively in emotionally charged or stressful situations and emergencies, including with difficult, hostile, distressed, potentially dangerous, or legally complex clients and clients with dual diagnoses.
Operate a personal computer, office equipment, software, and automated systems for entering and retrieving data and narratives.
Accept and use constructive feedback, respect cultural differences, and interact professionally and respectfully with clients.

Responsibilities

Interview clients, family members, and others in homes, offices, or by telephone to assess 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 when needed.
Develop and carry out culturally sensitive treatment plans for assigned cases in accordance with agency, state, and federal requirements, and help clients and families develop strategies to meet case-plan goals.
Refer clients to staff or community resources for intensive services and specialized counseling, 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, and 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.