Social Worker IV

CalHR • Sonora, CA

2d

About The Position

Under general direction, the Social Worker IV A/B performs advanced casework involving complex individual and family problems, intensive treatment plans, and counseling requiring professional knowledge and training. This is the highest non-supervisory level in the series. Incumbents apply sophisticated social services expertise and techniques, generally in areas such as adult and child protective services. The IV-B level requires one additional year of experience compared with IV-A. The position differs from Social Worker Supervisor I, the first supervisory level, and from Social Worker III, which does not require both a master's degree and qualifying experience.

The Social Worker IV A/B receives supervision from a Social Worker Supervisor or another higher-level supervisor or manager under CDSS MPP Division 31 regulations. The incumbent may provide lead direction to lower-level social workers or service employees.

The role assesses complex situations; develops and monitors treatment and safety plans; provides counseling and protective services; investigates abuse allegations; and coordinates with clients, families, service providers, law enforcement, and courts. Work may include on-call duties, court testimony, and responding to stressful or emergency situations. The incumbent maintains confidential case records and performs duties in accordance with legal standards, county regulations, and the NASW Code of Ethics.

This recruitment will be used to fill permanent full-time and relief positions. The examination is a Training & Experience Examination, weighted 100%.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university; or a master's degree from an accredited two-year counseling program in a qualifying field; or a master's degree in a listed social or behavioral science field together with the required qualifying experience.
• For Social Worker IV-A, Pattern 3 requires one year of full-time advanced-journey-level social work case-management experience (equivalent to MSS Social Worker III) in a public or private agency, along with the specified master's degree.
• For Social Worker IV-B, Pattern 1 requires a master's degree in Social Work and one year of full-time social work case-management experience as a Social Worker in a public or private agency.
• For Social Worker IV-B, Pattern 2 requires a master's degree from an accredited two-year counseling program and one year of full-time social work case-management experience as a Social Worker in a public or private agency.
• For Social Worker IV-B, Pattern 3 requires two years of full-time advanced-journey-level social work case-management experience (equivalent to MSS Social Worker III) in a public or private agency, along with the specified master's degree.
• Qualifying two-year counseling program degrees include Marriage and Family Therapy, Clinical Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, Addiction Counseling, Gerontology, and Counseling Psychology.
• Internship experience does not count toward the Social Worker IV-B experience requirement.
• Candidates within six months of satisfying the education requirement may take the examination but must complete the requirement and provide evidence of graduation before appointment.
• Knowledge of social-work case management, counseling, biopsychosocial assessment, interviewing, case recording, report writing, public social services, applicable laws and regulations, community resources, crisis intervention, abuse dynamics, mental health, substance use, and placement options.
• Ability to assess risk and recognize signs of abuse; work effectively in stressful situations; analyze situations and choose effective actions; apply and explain laws, policies, and regulations; interview and record case information; interact respectfully with distressed or difficult clients; respect cultural differences; use community resources; maintain organized work details and confidentiality; communicate effectively; establish rapport and cooperative relationships; and use computers and related software.
• Possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, ability to work cooperatively, and health consistent with performing the assigned duties.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to speak, read, and write Spanish in addition to English is an asset but is not required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct case studies to assess problems and determine appropriate treatment methods.
• Develop intensive short- or long-term treatment plans to improve or restore individual or family functioning.
• Deliver services respectfully and in a culturally sensitive and appropriate manner.
• Serve as a casework consultant to staff members without professional training.
• Provide skilled counseling and services in areas such as protective services, medical social work, family services, community organization, and research.
• Provide counseling that may include marital and family relationships and protective services for children or adults unable to care for themselves.
• Investigate and provide services in cases involving children's welfare, including neglect, abuse, behavioral or health problems, guardianship concerns, and family or community relationship difficulties.
• Receive and investigate reports of abuse involving children, dependent adults, and elderly people; interview victims and others, assess safety, and recommend, implement, and monitor alternate placements.
• Remove children from unsafe situations when necessary and provide information to law enforcement or district attorneys as appropriate.
• Work on-call when required, testify in court when required, and support witnesses and victims who must testify.
• Assess prospective foster and adoptive parents, match children with foster or adoptive parents, and counsel foster and adoptive families.
• Refer clients to other staff members and coordinate and monitor family visitations to assess progress toward case-plan goals.
• Explain rules, regulations, and policies to clients and applicants.
• Maintain casework records, databases, correspondence, and case information.
• Prepare court reports, case plans, case narratives, and safety plans in automated computer systems.
• Operate a personal computer and other office equipment; enter and retrieve data and narratives from automated systems.
• Communicate decisions, timelines, recommendations, and case plans to clients, families, and service providers.
• Communicate effectively with clients and others in writing, in person, and by telephone.
• Analyze data, interpret directions, procedures, and regulations, and develop appropriate responses.
• Perform duties appropriately under stressful conditions and in emergency situations.
• Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and county regulations, and perform duties in conformance with the NASW Code of Ethics.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Generous leave accruals
• Step increases upon each 2,080 hours worked until maximum salary is reached
• Longevity incentive
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with substantial employer-paid contribution
• CalPERS retirement benefits

What This Job Offers

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