Social Worker II

CalHR • Sonora, CA

9h

About The Position

Social Worker II is the journey-level classification in the Social Worker series. Working under general direction, the role performs social services casework and carries a full caseload of moderately difficult cases, with assignments that may include increasingly difficult cases. The position requires skill in assessing problem situations, developing service plans, and independently administering services using agency and community resources. Typical assignments are in child welfare and adult services; depending on department needs, an employee may also perform casework for employment services clients. Some positions may determine initial and continuing eligibility for one or more aid programs. Social Worker II differs from Social Worker III, which handles more complex cases, specialized functions, and/or lead-worker duties. Incumbents receive direct supervision from a Social Worker Supervisor or another higher-level supervisor or manager.

The role includes interviewing clients and others; assessing social, physical, and mental needs; evaluating safety and case information; developing treatment and case plans; making referrals and advocating for appropriate services; maintaining case records and databases; and coordinating with families, service providers, and community resources. Work may involve crisis intervention, court testimony, on-call assignments, specialized functions, and mentoring or training staff. The position also requires protecting client confidentiality and performing duties in accordance with the NASW Code of Ethics.

The minimum qualifications may be met through either of two patterns: one year of full-time entry-level social work case-management experience in the Social Worker I classification 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 specified coursework in social welfare, social or human services, sociology, or another social or behavioral science. Spanish language ability is an asset but is not required. A valid driver's license may be required at appointment. Pre-employment screening, background checks, and fingerprinting may be required. The position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Requirements

• Pattern 1: One year of full-time experience performing entry-level social work case management in the Social Worker I classification in an Interagency Merit System county; or Pattern 2: one year of full-time social work case-management experience and 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 social work 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 and programs; case-plan development and modification; and authority to impose sanctions or implement actions affecting services.
• Knowledge of organization, workload management, and time-management principles; note-taking, report-writing, English composition, grammar, punctuation, and spelling; phone etiquette and interview techniques; socioeconomic conditions; human behavior; social welfare issues and programs; public assistance policies; case documentation systems; applicable laws and regulations; community resources; relevant medical, legal, economic, and social needs; crisis intervention; and basic psychopathology and mental-health services.
• Ability to learn agency programs, policies, and procedures; gather facts and recognize their significance; organize work; build effective client rapport and professional relationships; communicate orally and in writing; analyze situations and choose effective actions; explain public social-service programs and rules; develop interviewing, case-recording, and interpretation skills; use community resources; maintain confidentiality; work effectively in stressful or emotionally charged settings; operate a personal computer and office equipment and software; interpret and apply rules and policies; accept constructive feedback; respect cultural differences; and work with clients and cases of varying difficulty, including dual diagnoses, potentially dangerous clients, or legally complex cases.
• Must possess integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively, and health consistent with performing assigned duties.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship by the employment start date.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to speak, read, and write Spanish in addition to English.

Responsibilities

• Interview clients, family members, and others in homes, offices, or by telephone to assess 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.
• Assess reports of suspected abuse and, when applicable, provide information to law enforcement or district attorneys.
• 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 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; communicate decisions, timelines, recommendations, and case plans to clients, families, and service providers.
• Provide counseling or support, crisis intervention, self-help information, education, and services for clients with complex or specialized needs.
• Work with clients and caregivers to develop caregiving and independent-living skills.
• Obtain and evaluate policy, medical, and psychological reports.
• Testify in court when required.
• Perform assigned specialized functions and provide community outreach for agency programs.
• Participate in in-service training and staff development and receive casework consultation from professionally trained staff.
• Maintain client confidentiality and perform duties in accordance with the NASW Code of Ethics.
• May mentor, orient, train, and guide staff on cases.
• Perform other 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: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed