Social Worker Trainee - Emergency Appointment

This recruitment is open competitively as an emergency appointment under Civil Service Rule 13.04, authorized by the LA County Department of Human Resources (DHR) in response to Assembly Bill (AB) 2561. The initiative aims to address high vacancy rates and persistent staffing shortages that threaten the delivery of essential public services. Applicants who meet the requirements may be hired for an initial period of up to 90 days, with an opportunity for permanent County employment based on a 100%-weighted performance assessment.

About the Role

The Los Angeles County Department of Aging and Disabilities is seeking qualified candidates to fill emergency Social Worker Trainee vacancies within its Adult Protective Services (APS) Division. APS investigates reports of suspected abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and exploitation involving older adults and dependent adults, connecting clients with services to support their safety and well-being. These positions are critical to stabilizing services and accelerating hiring in high-need areas.

Responsibilities

• Investigate situations involving older and dependent adults reported to be endangered by abuse, neglect, exploitation, or unsafe living conditions; take appropriate action or report to relevant agencies to mitigate risks.
• Identify and analyze clients' needs for services; set priorities and explore alternatives with clients to develop problem-solving plans.
• Assist clients in resolving tangible problems such as housing, money management, healthcare, citizenship, residence, and employment through partnerships with community agencies.
• Provide information about departmental and community resources; assist clients in selecting, contacting, and utilizing appropriate services.
• Initiate requests for legal assistance to gain access to clients or obtain protection in violent situations.
• Act as an advocate for clients unable to act on their own; refer clients for conservatorship when appropriate.
• Assist clients and relatives in locating alternative living arrangements (e.g., nursing homes, intermediate care facilities, or board and care homes) when in-home services are unsuitable.
• Respond to referrals from public and private agencies and other jurisdictions.
• Conduct routine visits to homes, hospitals, and facilities across Los Angeles County to assess client needs.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Official transcripts or diploma must be submitted within seven calendar days of the filing period to adagrecruitmentteam@lacounty.onmicrosoft.com. Foreign degrees must be translated and evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
• A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to use alternative transportation for job-related functions.

Qualifications

Physical Class II - Light: Involves administrative and clerical tasks requiring occasional light lifting (up to 10 pounds) and some bending, stooping, or squatting. Considerable ambulation may be required.

Desirable Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Social Work, Gerontology, Psychology, Sociology, Human Services, Counseling, Behavioral Science, or Public Health.
• Experience in adult services, mental health, public health, homelessness outreach, or emergency response programs.
• Experience conducting field-based investigations.
• Fluency in American Sign Language, Arabic, Armenian, Cambodian (Khmer), Chinese (Cantonese/Mandarin), Farsi, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, Vietnamese, or other languages.
• Willingness to work in the Lancaster/Antelope Valley area, after-hours or overnight shifts, or weekend service units.

Additional Information

During the initial 90-day work period, performance will be evaluated for potential permanent appointment. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis; if not contacted within 60 days, candidates may submit a new application to reaffirm interest. Notifications will be sent electronically, so ensure your email address is valid and monitor your inbox, including spam/junk folders.