Social Worker III - CPS

CalHR • Lakeport, CA

21h

About The Position

Under general direction, the Social Worker III handles a difficult caseload and determines applicants’ or clients’ need for basic social services. The position conducts social studies and assignments involving individualized treatment and specialized casework methods, provides tangible casework services, and performs related duties. This is the advanced journey level in the Social Worker series. Incumbents typically receive more difficult cases requiring greater skill and depth of knowledge to assess situations and formulate service plans. They may be assigned to specialized caseloads or functional areas such as Court Investigations, Family Maintenance/Reunification, Emergency Response, Child/Adult Protection, or Foster Care. Incumbents are expected to work independently and may act as lead workers to other social service workers.

The role receives general direction from a Social Worker Supervisor or another higher-level manager or deputy director. The position may qualify for a hiring incentive of 10% of annual pay, up to $10,000, paid in three installments. At the stated annual salary of $73,320, the estimated incentive is $7,332. It is available only to first-time hires who have not previously or currently been employed by the County, and employees who leave before two years must repay it on a prorated basis.

Lake County offers flexible office hours for most positions, with schedules available Monday through Friday between 6:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Remote work may be available for some positions with approval from the Lake County Department of Social Services.

Requirements

• Meet one of the following qualification patterns: one year of full-time journey-level social work case management experience as a Social Worker II in an Interagency Merit System county; or two years of full-time social work case management experience in a public or private agency 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; or a bachelor's degree, successful completion of 24 semester or 36 quarter units of a master's program in Social Work or a qualifying counseling program, and 12 months of social work case management experience.
• 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 or other personal contact, interagency collaboration and resource linkage, case-plan development and modification, and authority to impose sanctions or implement actions affecting services.
• A valid driver's license is required at the time of interview; applicants unable to meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed case by case.
• Complete required pre-employment screening, including background checks and fingerprinting. Background requirements include fingerprinting, citizenship verification, and local law-enforcement checks; reinvestigation is required every five years for employees with access to federal tax information.
• Be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship by the start date; the position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
• Applicants using education to meet minimum qualifications must attach transcripts to their application. Foreign transcripts require an evaluation stating equivalent units.
• Applicants must possess integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively, and health consistent with performing the assigned duties; a medical examination may be required.
• Complete the full Training & Experience Examination and receive a minimum score of 70% to qualify for the eligible list.

Responsibilities

• Carry a caseload of difficult social services cases requiring a high degree of technical competence.
• Receive and respond to reports of suspected abuse; obtain information from reporters; investigate and assess situations to protect vulnerable adults and children; and recommend alternate placement.
• Provide information to law enforcement or district attorneys when appropriate, and testify in court when required.
• Conduct case studies and evaluate individual and family information to assess safety and determine appropriate treatment.
• Develop and carry out social treatment plans, ensuring services are respectful, culturally sensitive, and appropriate.
• Counsel and provide guidance and support to individuals and families with complex or specialized needs, including crisis, medical, legal, and other social service needs.
• Refer clients to other staff and outside resources, and help applicants and recipients use available resources.
• Diagnose client problems and follow through on treatment plans with a high degree of independence.
• Interpret policies, rules, and regulations for clients, applicants, and others.
• May act as a lead worker to a small group of social service workers or service employees.
• Make home visits in connection with casework assignments.
• Prepare court reports, case plans, case narratives, and safety plans in automated systems; enter and retrieve data and narratives; and prepare and maintain case records.
• Participate in in-service training and staff development activities.
• Receive casework consultation from professionally trained staff members.
• Provide self-help information, education, and services; work with clients and caregivers to develop caregiving and independent-living skills.
• Obtain and evaluate police, medical, and psychological reports.
• Maintain client confidentiality and perform duties in accordance with the NASW Code of Ethics.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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