Social Worker IV - CPS

CalHR • Lakeport, CA

1d

About The Position

The Social Worker IV A/B performs advanced casework involving complex individual and family problems. The role develops and carries out intensive treatment plans and counseling requiring professional knowledge and training, with work generally involving areas such as adult and child protective services. This is the highest non-supervisory level in the series. Incumbents apply sophisticated social services expertise and techniques and may provide lead direction to lower-level social workers or service employees. The position receives supervision from a Social Worker Supervisor or another higher-level supervisor or manager under California Department of Social Services regulations.

The work includes assessing individuals and families, providing counseling and protective services, investigating abuse allegations, and helping protect vulnerable children and adults. The Social Worker may recommend, implement, and monitor alternate placements; assess foster and adoptive parents; support families; coordinate family visitations; prepare case plans and court reports; and maintain case records and databases. Duties also include communicating with clients, families, service providers, and legal personnel; preserving confidentiality; and performing work ethically and effectively in stressful or emergency situations.

The position requires a qualifying master's degree and, depending on the qualification pattern and level, relevant social work case management experience. Social Worker IV-B requires one additional year of experience compared with Social Worker IV-A. A valid driver's license is required at the time of interview. Employment is subject to pre-employment screening, background checks, and fingerprinting. Flexible office hours are available for most positions, and remote work may be available for some positions with Department of Social Services approval. The position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university; or a qualifying master's degree from an accredited two-year counseling program; or a master's degree in a specified social or behavioral science field with the qualifying experience described for the applicable pattern.
• For Social Worker IV-A, qualifying pathways include: a master's degree in Social Work; a master's degree from a qualifying two-year counseling program; or a master's degree in social or behavioral science, psychology, anthropology, sociology, or counseling education plus one year of full-time advanced-journey-level social work case management experience equivalent to MSS Social Worker III.
• For Social Worker IV-B, qualifying pathways include: a master's degree in Social Work plus one year of full-time social work case management experience in a public or private agency; a master's degree from a qualifying two-year counseling program plus one year of such experience; or a master's degree in a specified social or behavioral science field plus two years of full-time advanced-journey-level social work case management experience equivalent to MSS Social Worker III.
• Internship experience does not count toward the Social Worker IV-B experience requirement.
• Qualifying two-year counseling programs include Marriage and Family Therapy, Clinical Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, Addiction Counseling, Gerontology, and Counseling Psychology.
• Candidates within six months of satisfying the education requirement may take the examination but must complete the education requirement and provide evidence of graduation before appointment.
• Valid driver's license required at the time of interview, subject to case-by-case review for individuals unable to meet the requirement due to a disability.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.
• Must meet general personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, ability to work cooperatively, and health consistent with performing assigned duties.
• Ability to apply child psychology and family relationship principles; evaluate psychological factors; recognize abuse signs; assess risk and danger; and act effectively in stressful situations.
• Ability to perform difficult casework, accept and use consultative supervision, analyze situations, and adopt effective courses of action.
• Ability to apply and explain applicable laws, regulations, welfare operations, and public social services programs and policies.
• Ability to interview, record and interpret case information, interact professionally with difficult or distressed clients, respect cultural differences, and use community resources effectively.
• Ability to obtain and recognize relevant facts, organize and maintain work details, communicate effectively orally and in writing, establish client rapport, maintain confidentiality, use computers and related software, and build cooperative working relationships.

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 including protective services, medical social work, family services, community organization, and research.
• Investigate and provide services in cases involving children’s physical or emotional welfare, including neglect, abuse, health conditions, family conflict, and inadequate guardianship or care.
• Receive and investigate reports of child, dependent-adult, and elder abuse by interviewing victims and others and assessing safety risks.
• Recommend, implement, and monitor alternate placements; remove children from unsafe situations when necessary; and provide information to law enforcement or district attorneys as appropriate.
• 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 directly monitor family visitations in relation to case-plan goals.
• Explain rules, regulations, and policies to clients and applicants.
• Maintain casework records and correspondence, and prepare court reports, case plans, case narratives, and safety plans using automated computer systems.
• Operate a personal computer and other office equipment; enter and retrieve data and narratives; and maintain case records and databases.
• Communicate decisions, timelines, recommendations, and case plans to clients, families, and service providers 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

• Hiring incentive equal to 10% of annual pay, not to exceed $10,000; the stated estimate for this position is $8,093.28, paid in three installments subject to eligibility and repayment terms.
• Flexible office hours are available for most positions.
• 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: Senior