What are the responsibilities and job description for the Social Worker I/II - Adoptions Specialist position at Butte County, CA?
Salary : $54,308.80 - $80,392.00 Annually
Location : Oroville / Chico Area, CA
Job Type : Regular Help
Job Number : 2511261069
Department : Department of Employment & Social Services
Opening Date : 02 / 05 / 2025
Closing Date : 2 / 19 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Pacific
Summary
This position requires a Master's Degree in Social Work.
These positions may require occasional non-standard work hours on weekends, holidays and before / after normal scheduled work hours.
Butte County has ability to support clinical supervision to employees who hold an Associate Social Worker (ASW) license, promoting their growth and development within our organization."
This recruitment is for level I and level II.
The salary rage for level I is $2,088.80 - $2,799.20 biweekly ($26.11 - $34.99 per hour).
The salary range for level II is $2,307.20 - $3,092.00 biweekly ($28.84 - $38.65 per hour).
New employees generally start at the beginning of the salary range. The salary range has 7 steps with employees typically starting at step 1 and moving to step 2 upon the completion of a successful one year probationary period. Each year thereafter, upon completion of successful performance, employees move to subsequent next step. Each step represents a 5% increase.
Note : A training and experience evaluation may be utilized to determine an applicant's ranking among qualified candidates. Based upon information provided in this application including responses to supplemental questions, an applicant's education, training and experience (full-time equivalent) may be evaluated. Applicants should provide thoughtful and thorough responses to supplemental questions as they play an important role in this recruitment process. All qualifying work experience that is described or included in responses to supplemental questions MUST also be included and detailed in the "Work Experience" section of this application. "See Resume" is not an acceptable response for any supplemental question.
FLSA : Non- Exempt
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, performs specialized social services casework involving, or at-risk children or; conducts social studies and develop service plans which may include the need for specialized social services; provides information about available adoption services and resources and may arrange referral of clients to appropriate departmental or community resources; performs other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Social Worker I - Adoptions : This is the entry-level classification in the Adoptions Social Worker series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and provide advanced social services casework in the area of adoptions, requiring coordination with county welfare departments, public and private social services, adoption agencies, public and private attorneys, judges, and other representatives of the court system. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and complex; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions as the Social Worker II - Adoptions but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.
Social Worker II - Adoptions : This is the journey-level classification in the Social Worker Adoptions series. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks and handle more difficult, sensitive and specialized cases and decisions are made where consequence of error may be significant. This class requires advanced casework skills, a high degree of program knowledge, judgement, and creativity. Positions in this class may be assigned to Children's Services and are expected to manage caseloads involving physically, sexually, and emotionally abused and / or neglected children.
Positions in the Social Worker - Adoptions class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the II-level may be filled by advancement from the I-level; progression to the II-level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the II-level. This is an advanced level classification in the Social Worker series
Essential Job Functions
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.
- Conducts case studies providing recommendations for Adoption or Guardianship when appropriate.
- Responds to adoption inquiries; enrolls adoptive parents in adoptive services; determines child's legal eligibility for adoption.
- Assesses the physical, social, emotional, and economic factors present in prospective adoptive families, and suitability of children for families.
- Makes decisions and prepare full factual reports to the court with recommendations for or against granting petitions for adoption and recommend alternate plans when needed.
- Prepares appropriate case records including narrative recordings and supporting documentation as required by statutes.
- Reports to the court with recommendations regarding permanent plans for children, court actions to terminate parental right, guardianship petitions, existence of parental relationships, necessity for parental consent and withdrawals of consents.
- Conducts placement studies required under the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.
- Informs birth parent(s) of their alternative prior to relinquishing children for adoption or consenting to the adoption and determine the readiness and capability of the birth parent(s) to relinquish or give consent.
- Provides consultative services to other public and private social services regarding adoption planning on other cases.
- Conducts investigations of child abuse recorded at the Child Abuse Registry for prospective adoptive parents; and conducts set-aside investigations and report to the court.
- Participates in pre-planning to identify foster homes to meet the permanency needs of children.
- Inspects home environment for the overall growth and development of the child.
- Counsels, trains, and supervises foster families in meeting children's needs for permanency.
- Maintains regular contact with the foster families, children and the biological parents to monitor the progress of the child and family through the entire process.
- Prepares evaluation and progression reports and provides suggestions, recommendations or treatment as required.
- Adheres strictly to the state and federal laws when dealing with any issue related to child care.
- Interacts with families and individuals to assess their requirements, and find social services programs that would assist them.
- Adheres to the standards of the Privacy Act of 1974, {U.S.C. § 552A} as amended; maintains and enforces all aspects of confidentiality of client information.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of :
Ability To :
Education and Experience :
Master's degree in Social Work; and
Social Worker I - Adoptions : Upcoming graduates may supply a letter from their attending university stating impending graduation date of their degree program and verification of credits needed for graduation, which will allow placement on list of eligibles. Actual hiring of position will not occur until after graduation date.
Social Worker I - Adoptions : One (1) year experience in Social Work or Behavioral Science providing direct client services.
Social Worker II - Adoptions : Three (3) years experience in Social Work or Behavioral Science providing direct client services.
Certifications and Licenses :
Environmental Factors and Conditions / Physical Requirements
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
WORKING CONDITIONS
EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED
Disaster Service Worker
All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
Teamsters-Social Service Workers
THESE BENEFITS DO NOT APPLY TO EXTRA HELP EMPLOYEES
Salary Step Increases :
The beginning salary and the top of the salary range are usually shown on the job announcement. Upon satisfactory service, salary increases of approximately 5% may be given annually until the top of the salary range has been attained.
Holidays :
12 paid holidays per year.
Vacation :
0-4.99 years : 15 days / yr.; 5-9.99 years : 20 days / yr.; 10-19.99 years : 25 days / yr.; 20 years : 27 days / yr. Note - accrued vacation leave may not be used until after six months of employment.
Sick Leave :
96 hours of sick leave are earned each year with no maximum accrual.
Bereavement Leave :
Maximum of 40 hours for each occurrence in the immediate family.
Health Plan including Dental Insurance and Vision Insurance :
Coverage under the Butte County Health Plan is for employees and their eligible dependents. Depending upon the plan selected by the employee, the County contributes a substantial amount of the total cost of the complete health package, which consists of medical, vision, and dental insurance. Currently, the amount the County contributes for family coverage is $1,314.50 / month. For those employees who have health coverage from other sources, and who elect to not participate in the Butte County Health Plan, the County offers a monthly taxable Cash-Back allowance. The current of the taxable Cash-Back allowance is $503.34 per month (prorated for less than fulltime employees). This benefit is $300 per month for Employees hired on or after January 1, 2014.
Life Insurance :
The County provides $25,000 in life insurance with additional coverage available at a minimal cost.
Retirement :
The County is in the Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) coordinated with Social Security.
Classic Members"- 2% @ 55 . Final compensation based on Single Highest Year. Employee responsible for full 7% employee share effective 1 / 1 / 2013.
New Members" to PERS- 2% @ 62. Final compensation based on Highest Three Year Average. Employee responsible for one half (1 / 2) the normal cost of the CalPERS Pension.
New Member" is defined by law (PEPRA) as an " 1) individual who has never been a member of any public retirement system prior to 1 / 1 / 2013 or 2) An individual who becomes a member of a public retirement system for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who was previously a member of a public retirement system, but who was not subject to reciprocity. or 3) An individual who was an active member in a public retirement system and who, after a break in service of more than six months, returned to active membership in that system with a new employer
Deferred Compensation :
The County offers a 457 Deferred Compensation program. Deposits into this plan are strictly voluntary and are made through a payroll deduction on a tax-deferred basis. The County does not make contributions to the employees' Deferred Compensation accounts.
Disability Insurance :
For short-term disability, the County participates in California State Disability Insurance (SDI) fund. County employees are also covered by an employee-paid long-term disability program. The long-term disability insurance benefit is 60% of the disabled employee's biweekly wage.
Flexible Spending Program :
County employees can elect to participate in a Flexible Spending Program. This program allows employees to use pre-tax dollars to pay for certain health care and / or dependent care expenses. In addition, employees can choose to have their portion of the monthly Health Plan premium withheld from their checks on a pre-tax basis as well. Generally, employees who participate in the Flexible Spending Program have less taxes withheld for their payroll checks than if they had elected not to do so.
Tuition Reimbursement :
Up to $500 / year.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) :
The County of Butte provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their eligible dependents. The EAP offers confidential, professional counseling services.
Refer to specific labor agreements (Teamsters-SSW) for additional benefit information.
BUTTE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Any information on this page or links is subject to change without notice.
Butte County Human Resources Department
3 County Center Drive, Oroville, CA 95965
530) 552.3552
Comments, please email :
Master's degree in Social Work; and Social Worker I - Adoptions : Upcoming graduates may supply a letter from their attending university stating impending graduation date of their degree program and verification of credits needed for graduation, which will allow placement on list of eligibles. Actual hiring of position will not occur until after graduation date. Social Worker I - Adoptions : One (1) year experience in Social Work or Behavioral Science providing direct client services. Social Worker II - Adoptions : Three (3) years experience in Social Work or Behavioral Science providing direct client services. Which position level do you qualify for?
This position requires a Master's degree in Social Work. Do you have a Master's degree in Social Work?
Please attach a copy of your Master's degree. Have you attached a copy of your degree?
Are you an upcoming graduate with a letter (attach to your application) from your attending university stating the impending graduation date of your degree program?
Do you have at least one (1) year of work experience (equivalent to full-time experience) in a public or private social services agency working with children and / or adults?
Please list your duties and responsibilities related to working with children and / or adults in a public or private social services agency :
This position has potential for exposure to hostile situations, has your work experience included direct communication with hostile clients?
Do you possess a US Driver's License?
How did you discover this job opportunity?
MQ Qualification Level.
Required Question
Salary : $54,309 - $80,392