Social Worker II - CPS

CalHR • Lakeport, CA

2d

About The Position

The Social Worker II is the journey-level position in the Social Worker series and performs social services casework under general direction. The role carries a full caseload of moderately difficult cases and manages increasingly difficult cases, requiring skill and depth of knowledge in assessing problem situations and developing service plans. Typical assignments are in child welfare and adult services, although the employee may be assigned to employment services based on department needs. Employees work with a high degree of independence in administering services and using agency or 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. It differs from Social Worker III, which handles more complex cases, specialized functions, and/or lead-worker duties. The role may involve on-call work, court testimony, specialized assignments, mentoring or training staff, and crisis intervention. A hiring incentive is available to eligible first-time hires: 10% of annual pay, capped at $10,000, paid in three installments. For this salary, the stated estimated incentive is $6,643.52. Employees must remain with the County for two years or repay the incentive on a prorated basis.

Requirements

• Meet one of the following minimum qualification patterns: Pattern 1—one year of full-time entry-level social work case management experience as a Social Worker I 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 case management experience includes direct casework such as assessment and evaluation, abuse and neglect investigations, court-report preparation, responsibility for a long-term caseload, monitoring compliance through home calls or other personal contact, interagency collaboration and referrals, case-plan development and modification, and authority to impose sanctions or implement actions affecting services.
• Knowledge of organization, workload management, time management, note-taking, report writing, English composition, grammar, punctuation, spelling, phone etiquette, and interviewing techniques.
• Knowledge of socioeconomic conditions and trends, individual and group behavior, social welfare issues, social-worker roles, interviewing and problem-solving methods, public welfare programs, and public assistance policies.
• Knowledge of preparing court reports, case plans, case narratives, and safety plans in automated systems, and entering and retrieving information in those systems.
• Knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations governing public welfare agencies; community organization and community resources; personality development and group processes; and the medical, legal, economic, and social needs of individuals and families with special medical needs.
• Knowledge of crisis-intervention strategies, including voice modulation and suicide-risk assessment, and basic psychopathology, mental illness diagnoses, effects on behavior, and related services and treatments.
• Ability to learn agency programs, policies, and procedures; obtain facts and recognize their relevance; organize and maintain work; and establish effective client rapport and professional relationships.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, analyze situations, select effective courses of action, and explain public social service programs, policies, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to develop interviewing, case-recording, and interpretation skills; work in community settings; and use appropriate resources and services.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in accordance with legal standards and county regulations and work effectively in emotionally charged, stressful, or emergency settings.
• Ability to operate a personal computer, office equipment, and software; analyze data; interpret and apply directions, rules, policies, procedures, and regulations; and develop appropriate responses.
• Ability to accept and use constructive feedback, interact professionally and respectfully with clients including difficult, hostile, or distressed clients, and respect cultural differences.
• Ability to work with cases of varying difficulty, including clients with dual diagnoses, potentially dangerous clients, or legally complex cases.
• A valid driver's license is required at the time of interview.
• Must complete pre-employment screening, including background checks and fingerprinting; background requirements also include citizenship verification and local law-enforcement checks.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship by the employment start date.
• Applicants using education to meet minimum qualifications must attach transcripts to the application; 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, 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 types and 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 develop strategies to meet case-plan goals.
• Refer clients to agency staff and community resources for intensive services or 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.
• Conduct 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 and perform specialized functions when assigned.
• 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.
• Support clients with complex or specialized needs, provide crisis intervention, and provide self-help information and education.
• Work with clients and caregivers to develop caregiving and independent-living skills.
• Obtain and evaluate policy, medical, and psychological reports.
• Mentor, orient, train, or guide staff on cases when assigned.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Hiring incentive of 10% of annual pay, up to $10,000, subject to eligibility and repayment terms.
• Flexible office hours are available for most positions, with schedules between 6:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
• Remote work from home may be available for some positions with Lake County Department of Social Services approval.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed