Social Worker IV

CalHR•Crescent City, CA

About The Position

Under general direction, the Social Worker IV A/B performs advanced casework involving complex individual and family problems, including intensive treatment planning and counseling that require 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. Social Worker IV-B requires one additional year of experience beyond Social Worker IV-A. The position differs from Social Worker Supervisor I, the next higher class, because that class is the first supervisory level; it differs from Social Worker III because Social Worker III does not require both a master's degree and qualifying experience. The position receives supervision from a Social Worker Supervisor or other higher-level supervisor or manager under applicable California Department of Social Services regulations. A Social Worker IV A/B may provide lead direction to lower-level social workers or service employees. Duties include assessing problems, developing treatment plans, providing counseling and protective services, investigating reports of abuse or neglect, coordinating services and placements, preparing case and court documentation, and maintaining confidential records. Incumbents may be required to work on-call and testify in court. The recruitment may be used to fill full-time, part-time, and extra-help positions as vacancies occur. A valid driver's license may be required at appointment; employees may also be required to drive their own car and provide proof of insurance and DMV clearance.

Requirements

Social Worker IV A, Pattern 1: Master's degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university.
Social Worker IV A, Pattern 2: Master's degree from an accredited two-year counseling program. Qualifying fields include Marriage and Family Therapy, Clinical Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, Addiction Counseling, Gerontology, and Counseling Psychology.
Social Worker IV A, Pattern 3: 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, plus a master's degree in social or behavioral science, psychology, anthropology, sociology, or counseling education.
Social Worker IV B, Pattern 1: Master's degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university and one year of full-time social work case management experience as a social worker in a public or private agency.
Social Worker IV B, Pattern 2: 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. Qualifying fields include Marriage and Family Therapy, Clinical Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, Addiction Counseling, Gerontology, and Counseling Psychology.
Social Worker IV B, Pattern 3: 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, plus a master's degree in social or behavioral science, psychology, anthropology, sociology, or counseling education.
Experience gained during an internship 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.
Applicants using education to meet minimum qualifications must attach transcripts; applicants with foreign transcripts must provide an evaluation showing equivalent units.
All applicants must complete the entire Training & Experience Examination and receive a rating of at least 70% to be placed on the eligible list.
Applicants must possess integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively, and health consistent with performing assigned duties; a medical examination may be required.
A background investigation may be required as part of hiring.
Proof of ability to work in the United States is required as a condition of employment.
A valid driver's license may be required at appointment; employees may also need to drive their own car, provide proof of insurance, and obtain DMV clearance.

Responsibilities

Conduct case studies to assess problems and determine appropriate treatment types and 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 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 welfare, including neglect, abuse, disabilities, health conditions, parent-child conflict, guardianship, and care arrangements.
Receive and investigate reports of child, dependent adult, and elderly abuse; interview victims and others, assess risks, recommend and monitor alternate placements, and remove children from unsafe situations when necessary.
Provide information to law enforcement or district attorneys when appropriate, support witnesses and victims, and testify in court when required.
Assess prospective foster and adoptive parents, match children with families, and counsel foster and adoptive families.
Refer clients to other staff members.
Coordinate and directly monitor family visitations to assess progress toward case-plan goals.
Explain rules, regulations, and policies to clients and applicants.
Prepare and maintain case records and correspondence, including court reports, case plans, case narratives, safety plans, and database entries.
Use computers and office equipment to enter and retrieve information from automated systems.
Communicate decisions, timelines, recommendations, and case plans to clients, families, and service providers.
Analyze data, interpret directions, procedures, and regulations, and develop appropriate responses.
Perform duties effectively under stressful conditions and in emergencies.
Maintain confidentiality in accordance with legal standards and county regulations and comply with the NASW Code of Ethics.
Perform related duties as assigned.