Social Worker III

CalHR•Sutter Creek, CA

About The Position

The Social Worker III is an advanced journey-level position that, under general direction, handles a selected caseload of difficult social services cases. The role assesses applicants’ and clients’ needs, conducts social studies and investigations, develops individualized treatment plans, and provides comprehensive casework services. Incumbents are expected to work independently and may receive supervisory consultation when developing treatment plans. Assignments may involve specialized or geographically defined functions, including Court Investigations, Family Maintenance/Reunification, Emergency Response, Child/Adult Protection, or Foster Care. The role may also serve as lead worker to other social service employees. The Social Worker III receives general direction from a Social Worker Supervisor or another higher-level manager or deputy director. Compared with Social Worker II, this position handles more difficult assignments requiring greater skill and depth of knowledge. Social Worker III differs from Social Worker IV-A/B, which requires more advanced education and experience. The position carries out investigations and assessments involving suspected abuse and the safety of children and adults; develops and implements social treatment and safety plans; counsels and supports individuals and families with complex or specialized needs; connects clients with community resources; and prepares and maintains case documentation in automated computer systems. Incumbents may be required to work on-call and testify in court. Duties are performed in accordance with applicable laws, agency policies, confidentiality requirements, and the NASW Code of Ethics.

Requirements

Meet one of the following qualification patterns: (1) one year of full-time journey-level social work case management experience as a Social Worker II in an Interagency Merit System county; or (2) 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 (3) a bachelor's degree, successful completion of 24 semester or 36 quarter units of a master's degree program in Social Work or a specified counseling-related program, and 12 months of social work case management experience.
Qualifying social work case management experience includes direct casework management such as assessment and evaluation, abuse and neglect investigations, court report preparation, long-term caseload responsibility, monitoring compliance through home calls and personal contact, agency collaboration and resource linkage, case-plan development and modification, and authority to impose sanctions or implement actions affecting services.
Communicate effectively orally and in writing, in person and by telephone.
Analyze information, identify relevant facts, interpret and apply laws, rules, policies, procedures, and regulations, and develop appropriate responses.
Manage workload and time; organize and maintain work details; take notes; and prepare reports and case records.
Interview clients and apply social casework methods, psychology, and family-relationship principles to engage individuals and families.
Recognize signs of abuse, assess risk factors and potential dangers, and respond appropriately in emergency, stressful, or crisis situations.
Understand and apply agency programs, policies, and procedures, and explain public social service programs and requirements.
Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and county regulations.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, clients, and outside organizations; interact professionally and respectfully with difficult, hostile, or distressed clients and respect cultural differences.
Work with difficult or complex cases and clients, including clients with dual diagnoses, potentially dangerous clients, or legally complex cases.
Use a personal computer, office equipment, and related software.
Possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, and the ability to work cooperatively; health must be consistent with performing assigned duties.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship by the start date.
If education is used to meet minimum qualifications, attach transcripts to the application; foreign transcripts require an evaluation indicating equivalent units.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Manage a caseload of difficult social services cases requiring a high degree of technical competence.
Receive and respond to reports of suspected abuse, gather information from reporters, investigate situations, assess risk, and recommend alternate placement when appropriate.
Provide information to law enforcement or district attorneys and testify in court when required.
Conduct case studies and evaluate individual and family information to assess the safety of children and adults and determine appropriate treatment.
Develop, implement, and follow through on social treatment plans, case plans, and safety plans.
Deliver services respectfully and in a culturally sensitive and appropriate manner.
Counsel and provide guidance and support to individuals and families with complex or specialized needs, including crisis, medical, legal, and protective-service needs.
Refer clients to other staff and connect applicants and recipients with available agency and community resources.
Interpret policies, rules, regulations, and public social service programs to clients, applicants, and others.
Make home visits in connection with casework assignments.
Prepare court reports, case plans, case narratives, and safety plans; enter and retrieve information in automated computer systems; and maintain case records.
Obtain and evaluate police, medical, and psychological reports.
Provide self-help information and education and help clients and caregivers develop caregiving and independent-living skills.
Work with community organizations and make referrals to outside resources.
May act as lead worker to a small group of social service workers or service employees.
Participate in in-service training and staff development activities.
Maintain client confidentiality and perform duties in accordance with the NASW Code of Ethics.
Perform other related duties as assigned.