Social Worker I - Honolulu, Oahu

This job posting is for the first level, Social Worker I position. Depending on your education and experience, you might also qualify for higher levels (Social Worker II, III, or IV). Review the Minimum Qualification Requirements on the respective job postings to determine eligibility and submit a separate application for each level.

About the Role

Working as a Social Worker with the Judiciary provides opportunities to contribute to public welfare and safety. The Judiciary employs social workers in various court programs, offering diverse duties and clients that allow for the development and practice of a broad range of skills. Social work professionals utilize evidence-based practices informed by current research to promote client behavioral changes and improve outcomes. This role is ideal for those who embrace collaborative casework and seek to address complex social issues.

Responsibilities

• Supervision of juvenile law violators, adult law violators, defendants conditionally released from the Hawai`i State Hospital, or juvenile status offenders.
• Conducting child custody/visitation evaluations.
• Assisting protection order petitioners.
• Assisting in child welfare services cases referred to the Family Court.
• Engaging with juveniles temporarily detained and involving family and community in juvenile cases.
• Addressing issues such as substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, child abuse and neglect, trauma, disputed child custody/visitation, and victim restitution.
• Performing simple social work tasks in accordance with defined policies and procedures and specific supervisory instructions.
• Preparing case records and reports.

Social Worker I positions focus on foundational social work tasks under supervision.

Requirements

Education

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree, including a minimum of twelve (12) semester credit hours in courses such as social work, social welfare, criminal justice, human services, counseling, psychology, sociology, or other related social sciences.

Excess work experience in responsible administrative, professional, or analytical roles that provided comparable knowledge and abilities may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis. The experience must demonstrate the ability to write clear and comprehensive reports, interpret complex written material, and solve problems logically and systematically.

Specialized Experience

Progressively responsible professional social work experience involving:

• Utilizing a variety of social work skills and exercising professional judgment to assist individuals and families.
• Conducting assessments and developing/implementing treatment plans and services.
• Working cooperatively with other professionals and community agencies in an interdisciplinary team.
• Evaluating client progress and adjusting plans as needed.

Additional Requirements

• Firearms Qualification (Lautenberg): For certain positions, applicants must qualify to possess firearms or ammunition under state and federal laws (e.g., no misdemeanor or felony domestic violence conviction).
• Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA): Applicants for positions involving contact with detainees, inmates, or residents of confinement facilities must not have:
  • Engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility, or other institution.
  • Been convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity facilitated by force, threats, or coercion, or where the victim did not or could not consent.
  • Been civilly or administratively adjudicated for such conduct.
  • Been the subject of substantiated allegations of sexual abuse or harassment, or resigned during a pending investigation of such allegations.

Probation Officer Role

Most positions serve as probation officers, managing a caseload of clients adjudicated for law violations or status offenses. Responsibilities include:

• Supervision under probation or protective supervision.
• Provision of services or monitoring compliance with court orders.
• Collaborative casework with clients facing serious mental health issues, family conflict, law violation histories, behavioral problems, parent/child relationship issues, or substance abuse.

Supplemental Information

Additional details may be attached to your online application, submitted via email to Recruitment@courts.hawaii.gov, or mailed to:

Hawai`i State Judiciary, Human Resources Department
426 Queen Street, First Floor
Honolulu, Hawai`i 96813

Education Substitution

If using education as a substitute for experience, submit a copy of your transcript(s) or diploma(s) at the time of application. Official transcripts will be required if selected.

Applicants graduating within three months with a Bachelor’s degree (including 12 semester credits of social science coursework) may apply. If selected, an official transcript indicating degree completion will be required.