Social Worker III - Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS)

County of Santa Clara • Santa Clara, CA

5d

About The Position

Under general direction, provides skilled social work services to cases requiring maximum service and involving a variety of complex social problems and treatment plans. Social Worker III positions in the Social Services Agency’s Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS) work in assignments connected to child safety, well-being, and permanency. Duties may include receiving and making reports of alleged child abuse or neglect; assessing and investigating allegations; developing interventions, providing service referrals, and monitoring services for children and parents; removing children from unsafe environments; case management; preparing case plans, safety plans, court reports, and other legal documents; testifying in court; evaluating potential caregivers; placing children in appropriate homes; and conducting home visits. Workers assess and address circumstances affecting children and families, including substance abuse, intimate partner violence, mental health, sexual abuse, parenting, developmental, immigration, and psychosocial, emotional, or behavioral issues.

DFCS serves a diverse county population and encourages bilingual candidates. Applicants who speak a second language fluently should specify the language on their application and must pass a Level II examination demonstrating speaking, reading, and writing proficiency. Candidates hired may be eligible for a sign-on bonus of up to $5,000, subject to discontinuation. Paid differentials may be available, including a 9% differential above the base salary plan for DFCS Social Worker III employees assigned to Emergency Response and a 6% differential for other DFCS Social Worker III employees. A Master’s degree in Social Work may be required for specific programs.

Requirements

• Possession of a master’s degree in Social Work is preferred, or a master’s degree in Behavioral Science, Counseling, Education Counseling, Gerontology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Nursing, Psychology, Social Psychology, Vocational Rehabilitation, or an equivalent field from an accredited college.
• Three years of social work experience, including two years equivalent to a Social Worker II in Santa Clara County; alternatively, a Master’s degree in Social Work as a Title IV-E student and two years of experience equivalent to Social Worker II in Santa Clara County.
• A Master’s degree in Social Work may be required by statute for certain positions.
• A valid California driver’s license before appointment and ability to qualify for and maintain a County Driver’s permit.
• Knowledge of differential casework treatment techniques; personality and behavior theories; family systems; social work principles and methods; behavior, child development, family relationships, and human growth and development; bio-psycho-socio-economic factors; interviewing, investigation, and intervention techniques; and methods for working with distressed people.
• Knowledge of computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and/or databases; community organization and resources; and rules and regulations governing public social service agencies and adult and child protective services.
• Ability to apply comprehensive social work treatment knowledge, engage clients in problem solving, establish effective casework relationships, and manage a caseload effectively and on time.
• Ability to work cooperatively with coworkers, other agencies, and the public; receive and provide consultation; interpret complex laws and regulations; and prepare and present written and oral reports.
• Ability to interview effectively, respect family cultural values, assess and apply interventions with adults, children, adolescents, and/or families, and use a wide range of social work techniques and community resources.
• For applicants claiming a language skill, pass the required Level II fluency examination in speaking, reading, and writing the specified language.

Nice To Haves

• A Master’s degree in Social Work is preferred.
• Fluency in a second language; languages of particular interest include Vietnamese, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, and ASL.

Responsibilities

• Receive and make reports of alleged child abuse or neglect and investigate allegations involving children; determine whether removal from the home is necessary.
• Assess danger, risk of future abuse or neglect, and children’s and families’ needs for services.
• Develop interventions and treatment plans, refer clients to services, and monitor service provision and compliance with court orders.
• Manage a caseload and follow cases through to resolution.
• Prepare case plans, safety plans, court reports, legal documents, case records, reports, and correspondence in a timely manner.
• Testify in court and respond to inquiries regarding court actions; may testify in administrative hearings.
• Conduct field visits and home visits with children, caregivers, and parents.
• Assess potential caregivers and the suitability of foster and adoptive placements; recruit foster care and adoption applicants and finalize adoptions.
• Consult and work with other agencies, community groups, and legal and medical professionals.
• Establish and maintain effective casework relationships and help clients use community resources.
• Interpret rules, regulations, policies, programs, and complex laws for clients and the public.
• Transport clients within and outside the county, state, or country as necessary.
• May be assigned as a Disaster Services Worker.

Benefits

• Eligible new hires may receive a sign-on bonus of up to $5,000, subject to discontinuation.
• Paid differentials may be available, including a 9% differential above the base salary plan for DFCS Social Worker III employees assigned to Emergency Response and a 6% differential for other DFCS Social Worker III employees.
• Bilingual and assignment differentials may be available.

What This Job Offers

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