Social Worker II - Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS)

About the role

The Social Worker II positions in the Social Services Agency, Department of Family and Children's Services, work in various assignments related to child safety, well-being, and permanency. These roles may involve receiving and reporting on alleged child abuse and neglect, assessing and investigating these allegations, and providing various services to children and families.

Responsibilities

• Receives assignments to caseloads in any Department program including Adult Protective Services (APS), CalWorks Employment Services, SSI Advocacy, In Home Supportive Services (IHSS), and Department of Family and Children's Services (DFCS).
• Investigates allegations of abuse and neglect of dependent and elder adults when assigned to Adult Protective Services (APS).
• Investigates allegations of abuse and neglect of minors, often under time constraints, and determines if removal of the child from the home is necessary when assigned to Department of Family and Children's Services (DFCS).
• Evaluates client problems, develops treatment plans, and follows each case through to solution.
• Consults, refers cases, and works actively with other agencies and community groups, legal and medical professionals.
• Establishes and maintains effective case work relationships.
• Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Manages a caseload accountably.
• Prepares case records, documents, reports, and correspondence in a timely manner, as required.
• Interprets rules, regulations, policies, and programs to clients and the public.
• Knows and maintains listing of community resources and assists clients to utilize community resources.
• Develops case plans, court reports, and associate legal documents.
• Evaluates compliance with court orders.
• Testsifies in court and responds to inquiries regarding court actions.
• Conducts field visits and evaluates compliance with court orders.
• Recruits applicants for foster care and adoption.
• Evaluates the suitability of adoptive and foster placements and finalizes adoptions.
• Transports clients in county, out of county, out of state, and out of country if necessary.
• May be required to testify in administrative hearings.
• Knows and assists in developing community resources and uses them appropriately.
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required.
• Performs related work, as required.

Requirements

• Possession of a Master's degree in Social Work preferred or possession of a Master's degree in Behavioral Science, Counseling, Education Counseling, Gerontology, Nursing, Psychology, Social Psychology, Vocational Rehabilitation, or equivalent titles to the above degree from an accredited college AND Two (2) years of social work experience.
• Possession of a Bachelor's degree in Social Work preferred or possession of a Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science, Counseling, Education Counseling, Gerontology, Nursing, Psychology, Social Psychology, Vocational Rehabilitation or equivalent titles to the above degree from an accredited college AND Four (4) years of social work experience.
• Graduate training in an approved school of social work or the related fields above may be substituted for experience, on a year-for year-basis.
• The practicum experience obtained in the above related fields qualifies as experience.
• Master's degree in Social Work may be required by statute for certain positions.
• Possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment, the ability to qualify and maintain a County Driver's permit.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of principles, objectives, and techniques of social work;
• Differential casework treatment techniques;
• Variety of personality and behavior theories;
• Family systems;
• Individual and group behavior, human growth, development, and family relationships;
• Bio-psycho-socio-economic factors affecting individuals and families;
• Community organization and resources;
• Rules and regulations relating to public social service agencies;
• Effect of one's own personal attitudes and biases on the casework process;
• Interviewing, investigative, and intervention techniques;
• Effective methods for handling emotional, irate, or distressed people;
• Computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, and/or database.

Skills

• Establish and maintain a productive casework relationship with clients;
• Work cooperatively with co-workers, other agencies, and the public;
• Receive consultation;
• Interpret complex laws and regulations to clients and the public;
• Prepare and present written and oral reports;
• Manage a caseload in a timely and effective manner;
• Utilize social work techniques and community resources;
• Interview effectively;
• Assess and apply intervention techniques to adults, children, adolescents, and / or families;
• Work in an environment that requires knowledge of and respond for family's cultural values.

Benefits

The Department of Family and Children's Services offers additional benefits including paid differentials (e.g., bilingual, assignment) and a sign-on bonus of up to $5,000 for new hires into Social Worker II or Social Worker III positions. DFCS Social Worker II assigned to Emergency Response receive a 9% differential above the base salary plan, while all other DFCS Social Worker II receive a 6% differential above the base salary plan.

Pay

The pay range for Social Worker II positions varies based on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

Shifts may vary depending on departmental needs.