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

Description

Under general direction, provides skilled social work services to cases requiring maximum service, and involving a variety of complex social problems and treatment plans.

• Receives and makes reports of alleged child abuse and/or neglect.
• Assesses and investigates allegations of abuse and/or neglect.
• Develops appropriate interventions, provides referrals for services, and monitors services for children and parents.
• Removes children from unsafe environments.
• Provides case management services.
• Prepares documentation, case plans, safety plans, Court Reports, and other legal documents.
• Provides testimony in Court.
• Assesses and evaluates potential caregivers.
• Plays children into appropriate homes.
• Conducts home visits with children, caregivers, and parents.
• Assesses and addresses issues specific to the children and families circumstances such as substance abuse, intimate partner violence, mental health issues, sexual abuse, parenting, developmental issues, immigration, and psycho-social-emotional-behavioral issues.

Employment Standards

• Possession of a Master's degree in Social Work preferred or possession of a Master's Degree in Behavioral Science, Counseling, Education Counseling, Gerontology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Nursing, Psychology, Social Psychology, Vocational Rehabilitation or equivalent titles to the above degree from an accredited college.
• AND Three (3) years of social work experience of which two (2) years are equivalent to a Social Worker II in Santa Clara County.
• OR Possession of a Master's Degree in Social Work, as a Title IVE student AND Two (2) years of experience equivalent to the classification of a Social Worker II in Santa Clara County.
• 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 and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County Driver's permit.

Typical Tasks

• Receives assignments requiring specialized and/or intensive casework where cases are likely to involve emotional difficulties and chronic adjustment problems in departments.
• 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 constrains, and determines if removal of the child from the home is necessary when assigned to DFCS.
• Manages a caseload accountably.
• Evaluates client problems, develops complete treatment plans and follows each case through to solution.
• Develops case plans, court reports and associate legal documents.
• Testsifies in court and responds to inquiries regarding court action.
• Conducts field visits and evaluates compliance with court orders.
• 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.
• Prepares case records, documents, reports and correspondence in a timely manner, as required.
• Interprets rules, regulations, policies and programs to clients and the public.
• Acts as a resource specialist.
• Knows and maintains listing of community resources and assists clients to utilize community resources.
• May be required to testify in administrative hearings.
• Knows and assists in developing community resources and uses them appropriately.
• Transports clients in county, out of county, out of state and out of country if necessary.
• Acts as a resource specialist.
• May be assigned as a Disaster Services Worker, as required.

When Assigned To DFCS

• Determines degree of danger and risk of future abuse and neglect and evaluates child's and family's needs for services.
• Recruits applicants for foster care and adoption.
• Evaluates the suitability of adoptive and foster placements and finalizes adoptions.