Social Worker I

CalHR • Sonora, CA

2d

About The Position

Social Worker I is the entry/trainee class in the professional Social Worker series. Under close and constant supervision, incumbents learn social work principles, social service programs, casework methods and techniques, and departmental rules, regulations, and procedures. They receive in-service training and carry a limited, non-complex social services caseload. Assignments are typically in child welfare and adult services, but may be in employment services based on department needs. As skills and knowledge develop, the employee exercises greater independence and assumes the full scope of the role. Unless a position is permanently allocated to 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 role performs basic social services casework, identifies clients needing more intensive casework and makes referrals, and handles moderately difficult and increasingly difficult cases. Incumbents receive direct supervision from a Social Worker Supervisor or another higher-level supervisor or manager. Duties are performed at the entry/trainee level for Social Worker I.

Requirements

• Meet one of the stated education and experience patterns: Pattern 1—graduate from an accredited four-year college or university; or Pattern 2—complete 30 semester or 45 quarter units at an accredited college or university, including 15 semester or 22.5 quarter units in social welfare, social/human services, sociology, or another social or behavioral science, and have 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.
• Understand and learn agency programs, policies, and procedures; obtain facts and recognize their relevance; organize and maintain work details; and analyze data and apply directions, rules, policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Establish effective client rapport and professional working relationships with agency staff, clients, and others; communicate effectively orally and in writing; and work cooperatively with others.
• Use interviewing, case recording, interpretation, problem-solving, and public social service program knowledge; explain programs, policies, rules, and regulations to applicants, recipients, and others.
• Work effectively in community settings, use appropriate resources and services, and maintain confidentiality in accordance with legal standards and county regulations.
• Work effectively in emotionally charged, stressful, or emergency situations, including with difficult, hostile, distressed, potentially dangerous, or legally complex clients and clients with dual diagnoses.
• Operate a personal computer, office equipment, and software.
• Accept and use constructive feedback, respect cultural differences, and interact professionally and respectfully with clients.
• Possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively, and health consistent with performing assigned duties.
• Be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to speak, read, and write Spanish in addition to English.
• A valid driver's license may be required at appointment.

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 child and adult safety and determine appropriate treatment types and methods.
• Assess reports of suspected abuse; work on call when required; and provide information to law enforcement or district attorneys as needed.
• Develop and carry out culturally sensitive, non-complex to moderate treatment plans for an assigned caseload in accordance with agency, state, and federal requirements.
• Help clients and family members develop strategies to accomplish case-plan goals.
• Refer clients to staff or community resources for direct and intensive services and specialized counseling; 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.
• Make home visits related to casework assignments.
• Prepare and maintain case records and databases; communicate decisions, timelines, recommendations, and case plans to clients, families, and service providers.
• Testify in court when required.
• Perform specialized functions when assigned.
• Participate in in-service training and staff development activities to increase knowledge of social work processes 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.

Benefits

• Generous leave accruals
• Step increases after each 2,080 hours worked until the maximum salary is reached
• Longevity incentive
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with a substantial employer-paid contribution
• CalPERS retirement benefits

What This Job Offers

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