Social Worker II (PO/DL) - Kaunakakai, Molokai

Recruitment Number 26-173LM | SR-18 | Kaunakakai, Molokai

About the role

These positions serve as probation officers and require a current, valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle. 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 in the Judiciary 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 and visitation evaluations.
• Assisting protection order petitioners and child welfare services cases referred to the Family Court.
• Engaging 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 a variety of social work tasks ranging from simple to moderately difficult cases.
• Investigating and determining the kinds of services needed by individuals and/or families, and carrying out approved treatment plans.
• Preparing case records and reports.
• Conducting assessments, developing and implementing treatment plans, working cooperatively with other professionals and community agencies, and evaluating client progress.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree, including a minimum of twelve semester credit hours in courses such as social work, social welfare, criminal justice, human services, counseling, psychology, sociology, or other related social sciences.
• One-half year of progressively responsible professional social work experience involving the use of social work skills and professional judgment to assist individuals and families with problem identification, realistic evaluation of situations, and consideration of resources and alternative courses of action.
• Experience must demonstrate the ability to write clear and comprehensive reports, read and interpret complex written material, and solve complex problems logically and systematically.
• Current and valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle.

Qualifications

Education Substitution:

• A bachelor’s degree in Social Work or Criminal Justice Administration qualifies for Social Worker II or substitutes for six months of experience.
• A master’s degree in Social Work or Criminal Justice Administration qualifies for Social Worker III or substitutes for one and one-half years of experience.
• A Ph.D. in Social Work or Criminal Justice Administration qualifies for Social Worker IV or substitutes for two and one-half years of experience.

Non-Qualifying Experience: The following types of experience will not be considered qualifying:

• Supportive services to professional social workers, vocational rehabilitation specialists, housing managers, or other professionals.
• Determining eligibility for public welfare benefits such as medical assistance or food stamps.
• Vocational, educational, psychological, or pastoral counseling.
• Occupational or physical therapeutic services.
• Peace Corps or VISTA work that did not require professional knowledge of social work principles or was not performed under competent supervision.
• Relocating clients displaced by urban renewal or similar reasons.
• Trainee-level social work experience unless performed under competent professional supervision.

Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Requirement: Applicants who may have contact with detainees in juvenile facilities, inmates in prisons or jails, or residents of community 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 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.

Additional Information

• Applicants using education as a substitute for experience must submit a copy of official transcripts or diploma at the time of application. If selected, an official transcript indicating completion of the degree will be required.
• Applicants who will graduate with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work or Criminal Justice Administration may apply within three months prior to graduation. If selected, an original official transcript indicating completion of required coursework and degree will be required.