Social Worker IV – Child Welfare

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 abused, neglected, or at-risk children conducts social studies and develops service plans which may include the need for specialized social services; provides information about available services and resources and may arrange referral of clients to appropriate departmental or community resources; performs lead duties and various administrative duties to support social services; performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. Exercises technical and functional direction over and provides training to lower-level staff. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the lead level classification in the Child Welfare Social Worker series responsible for performing most complex cases assigned to the series and for reviewing work and providing guidance and direction to staff. 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 are expected to manage caseloads involving physically, sexually, and emotionally abused and/or neglected children and their families. This class is distinguished from the Social Worker III class in that it is expected to perform quality assurance and manage the most complex cases requiring the highest level of skill.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.
 

• Provides technical and functional direction to assigned staff; reviews and controls quality of work; participates in performing the more complex duties related to case management. 
• Trains employees in work principles, practices, methods, policies, procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, codes, and regulations.
• Executes quality assurance activities for Child Welfare Programs; implements quality assurance and quality improvement measures to ensure that services are performed efficiently and in compliance with laws, regulations, and quality standards.
• Write original, supplemental and/or subsequent petitions.  Review court files, reports and supporting documents prior to court hearings; including reviewing reports and documents for content, proper findings and orders, notice, and ensuring all legal requirements are met.  Present cases effectively to the Court, and answer any clarifying questions presented by the judge, attorneys, or other parties.   Document Court proceedings. Prepare subpoenas if determined to be necessary.
• Conducts investigations through interviews to determine if a child has been abused, neglected or exploited, and/or if they are at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation.
• Manages a caseload of clients and conducts assessments through interviews, video platforms, phone calls, home visits, record reviews or consultation with appropriate agencies and individuals.
• Provides case management services for clients and acts as an advocate for individual clients with social services agencies.
• Refers and determines eligibility for services, authorizes and/or coordinates services as necessary to complete individual service plans; follows through with case management services to assure that services are provided in a timely and complete manner.
• Communicates policies, rules, and regulations of the program to clients and others within the scope of responsibility.
• Prepares a wide variety of reports, records, and related case correspondence; prepares court/legal  documentation.
• Assists or administers assigned projects, processes, and/or programs; provides assistance to department staff in various research projects; participates in developing and implementing policies and procedures.
• Refers clients to community agencies based on needs and problems identified during assessment; assists clients in accessing private and public resources and services; maintains thorough case documentation for each client; updates and maintains records; gathers, and compiles data obtained for reporting purposes; develops summary records and prepares reports.
• Coordinates, arranges, and transports clients as needed.  
• Attend court hearings; provide case updates and testify as needed.
• Assesses cultural and linguistic differences of diverse populations; provides language interpretation services as needed.
• Makes necessary referrals as mandated reporters for suspected cases of neglected, abused and exploited children.
• Supports the relationship between Butte County and the constituent population by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with clients, visitors, and other employees.
• 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.
• Participates in in-service training and other staff development activities.
• Performs all duties in conformance with the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Principles of providing functional direction and training.
• Functions and services provided by a public social service agency including community resources.
• Principles of human nature, growth, and development. 
• County social service program laws, policies, and procedures. 
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, regulations, and ordinances relevant to the area(s) of responsibility. 
• Principles and techniques of interviewing, case management, and crisis intervention.
• Physical and mental illness and their impact of personality and function abilities.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability To:

• Effectively provide staff leadership and work direction. 
• To recognize relevant and significant facts; establish rapport with clients and their families from various background. complexity including clients with dual diagnosis, potentially dangerous, or legally complex cases.
• Coordinate multiple community resources to serve client needs; assessing and evaluating social problems; determine eligibility for program services; provide outreach, advocacy services and make recommendations according to observations and interviews. 
• Utilize program specific case management system.
• Analyze situations and adopt effective course of action. 
• Utilize effective interpersonal and organizational communication skills including the dissemination of information to appropriate parties; listen attentively and respond appropriately and timely. 
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures and standards relevant to work performed.
• Demonstrate initiative through anticipation of operations needs and problems and acting appropriately. 
• Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals. Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training, experience and educational degrees that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. Substitutions will be made on a year for year basis. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Master’s degree in Social Work; and

Two (2) years of experience in Social Work or Behavioral Science providing direct client services; OR

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Behavioral Sciences or closely related field; and

Four (4) years of experience in Social Work or Behavioral Science providing direct client services. 

Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects up to 40 pounds.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen. 
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. 
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. 

 
WORKING CONDITIONS

• Must possess and maintain a valid California driver’s license.
• Requires frequent visits to client homes; may require visits to other organizations, agencies, departments, and private businesses. 
• Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. 
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.  Potential for exposure to hostile situations.
• Some non-standard work hours are required.   May include weekends and holidays.

 
EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

• Equipment utilized includes motor vehicle, personal computer, fax machine, and standard office equipment.

 

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.

Salary : $58,802 - $78,790