Social Worker II

CalHR•Quincy, CA

About The Position

Social Worker II is the journey-level classification in the Social Worker series, performing social services casework under general direction. The role carries a full caseload of moderately difficult and increasingly difficult cases, requiring sound assessment of problem situations and development of service plans. Typical assignments are in child welfare and adult services; assignments to employment services may be made based on departmental needs. Employees work with substantial independence in administering services and using agency and community resources. Some positions may determine initial and continuing eligibility for one or more aid programs. The position receives direct supervision from a Social Worker Supervisor or another higher-level supervisor or manager. The role involves assessing client and family needs, evaluating safety, developing and carrying out treatment and case plans, connecting clients with services, and maintaining records and case information. Social Worker II may handle crisis intervention and specialized or complex client needs, make home visits, participate in court proceedings, and provide community outreach. Incumbents may also mentor or orient staff and provide case guidance. Minimum qualifications may be met through either one year of full-time entry-level social work case management experience as a Social Worker I in an Interagency Merit System county, or one year of full-time social work case management experience plus specified college coursework: 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. Applicants using education to qualify must attach transcripts. The position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Hiring may include a background investigation and medical examination.

Requirements

One year of full-time entry-level social work case management experience as a Social Worker I in an Interagency Merit System county; or one year of full-time social work case management experience plus 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.
Qualifying case management experience includes direct casework management such as assessment and evaluation; abuse and neglect investigations; court report preparation; responsibility for a long-term caseload; monitoring compliance through home calls and other personal contact; collaboration with agencies and linking clients to resources; developing and modifying case plans; and authority to impose sanctions or take actions affecting services.
Knowledge of organization, workload and time management; note taking and report writing; English composition, grammar, punctuation, and spelling; phone etiquette and interview techniques; social welfare issues and programs; interviewing and problem-solving; public assistance policies; court reports and case plans; automated case systems; relevant laws and regulations; community resources; personality development and group processes; special medical needs; crisis intervention; and basic psychopathology and mental health services.
Ability to learn agency programs, policies, and procedures; obtain and assess relevant facts; organize work; establish effective rapport and professional relationships; communicate orally and in writing; analyze situations and choose effective actions; explain social service programs and rules; develop interviewing and case-recording skills; use community resources; maintain confidentiality; work effectively in stressful settings and emergencies; operate a personal computer and office equipment and software; interpret policies and regulations; accept constructive feedback; interact respectfully with clients, including distressed or hostile clients; respect cultural differences; and handle cases of varying difficulty, including dual diagnoses, potentially dangerous clients, and legally complex cases.
Applicants must possess integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and health consistent with performing assigned duties.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship by the start date.
Applicants who use education to meet minimum qualifications must attach transcripts; foreign transcripts require an evaluation showing equivalent units.

Responsibilities

Interview clients, family members, and others in person, at home, in the office, or by telephone to assess social, physical, mental, and health-related needs.
Conduct case studies and evaluate individual and family information to assess the safety of children and adults and determine appropriate treatment.
Assess reports of suspected abuse; provide information to law enforcement or district attorneys as needed; and potentially work on-call.
Develop and carry out culturally sensitive treatment plans for an assigned caseload, and help clients and families develop strategies to meet case plan goals.
Refer clients to staff and community resources for direct, intensive, or specialized services and 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.
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.
Manage cases involving moderate difficulty and support clients with complex or specialized needs, including crisis intervention.
Provide self-help information, education, and services, and help clients and caregivers develop caregiving and independent living skills.
Obtain and evaluate policy, medical, and psychological reports.
Potentially mentor or orient staff and provide training and case guidance.
Perform other related duties as assigned.