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

Under general supervision, assesses client needs and develops treatment plans in a variety of social service functions.Social Worker II positions in the Social Services Agency, Department of Family and Children's Services work in a variety of assignments connected to child safety, well-being and permanency and may be assigned to duties which may include: receiving and making reports of alleged child abuse and/or neglect; assessing and investigating allegations of abuse and/or neglect; developing appropriate interventions, providing referrals for services, and monitoring services for children and parents; removing children from unsafe environments; providing case management services; preparing documentation, case plans, safety plans, Court Reports and other legal documents; providing testimony in Court; assessing and evaluating potential caregivers; placing children into appropriate homes; conducting home visits with children, caregivers, and parents; and assessing and addressing issues specific to the child's 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.

Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

The Department of Family and Children’s Services continues to serve the diverse population of the county and is strongly looking for individuals with language abilities in Vietnamese, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, ASL, among others. If you speak a second language fluently, please specify that on your application. The bilingual and biliterate fluency (i.e., speak, read and write) in the specified language will be tested.  Candidate must take and pass the required Level II language fluency examination (i.e., ability to speak, read and write) for the specified language skill on your application.          

 
CANDIDATES HIRED MAY BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A SIGN-ON BONUS, UP TO $5,000. 
 
 A new hire into a position with the Social Services Agency in the classification of Social Worker II or Social Worker III, assigned to any shift, may be eligible to receive a sign-on bonus of up to $5,000 (subject to discontinuation at any time).

 In addition to sign-on bonus, this classification is scheduled to receive salary range increases on the following dates:
                                
                                Effective June 23, 2025 - 4.00% increase
                                Effective June 22, 2026 - 4.00% increase
 
Additional benefits include:

• Paid differentials (e.g. bilingual, assignment) may be given to a hired applicant.  
• DFCS Social Worker II assigned to Emergency Response receive a 9% differential above the base salary plan. All other DFCS Social Worker II receive a 6% differential above the base salary plan

Possession of a Master's degree in Social Work may be required for specific programs.


Learn more about Social Services Agency Working at SSA - Social Services Agency - County of Santa Clara (sccgov.org)
 
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• Receives assignments to caseloads in any Department program including but not limited to Adult Protective Services (APS), CalWorks Employment Services, SSI Advocacy, In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and Department of Family and Children's Services (DFCS) and CCS;
• 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 constraints, and determines if removal of the child from the home is necessary when assigned to Department of Family and Children's Services (DFCS);
• Evaluates client problems, develops treatment plans and follows each case through to solution;
• 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;
• Manages a caseload accountably;
• Prepares case records, documents, reports and correspondence in a timely manner, as required;
• Interprets rules, regulations, policies and programs to clients and the public;
• Knows and maintains listing of community resources and assists clients to utilize community resources;
• Develops case plans, court reports and associate legal documents;
• Evaluates compliance with court orders;
• Testifies in court and responds to inquiries regarding court actions;
• Conducts field visits and evaluates compliance with court orders;
• Recruits applicants for foster care and adoption;
• Evaluates the suitability of adoptive and foster placements and finalizes adoptions;
• Transports clients in county, out of county, out of state and out of country if necessary;
• May be required to testify in administrative hearings;
• Knows and assists in developing community resources and uses them appropriately;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
• Performs related work, as required. 

When assigned to DAAS:

• Evaluates and assesses yearly service needs based on Medical, Medicare and SSI eligibility;
• Conducts field visits to do yearly reevaluations of client's service needs;
• Assesses and authorizes new applicants;
• Consults, refers cases and works actively with other agencies, community groups and fair hearing officers;
• Conducts field visits to hospitals, nursing homes, community care facilities as needed. 

When assigned to DFCS:

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

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
  
Two (2) years of social work experience
  
Possession of a Bachelor's degree in Social Work preferred or possession of a Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science, Counseling, Education Counseling, Gerontology, Nursing, Psychology, Social Psychology, Vocational Rehabilitation or equivalent titles to the above degree from an accredited college
  
Four (4) years of social work experience.
 
Graduate training in an approved school of social work or the related fields above may be substituted for experience, on a year-for year-basis.  The practicum experience obtained in the above related fields qualifies as experience.

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, the ability to qualify and maintain a County Driver's permit.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, objectives and techniques of social work;
• Differential casework treatment techniques:
• Various personality and behavior theories;
• Family systems;
• Individual and group behavior, human growth, development and family relationships;
• Bio-psycho-socio-economic factors affecting individuals and families;
• Community organization and resources;
• Rules and regulations relating to public social service agencies;
• Effect of one's own personal attitudes and biases on the casework process;
• Interviewing, investigative and intervention techniques;
• Effective methods for handling emotional, irate or distressed people;
• Computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheet and/or database. 

Ability to: 

• Establish and maintain a productive casework relationship with clients;
• Work cooperatively with co-workers, other agencies and the public;
• Receive consultation;
• Interpret complex laws and regulations to clients and the public;
• Prepare and present written and oral reports;
• Manage a caseload in a timely and effective manner;
• Utilize social work techniques and community resources;
• Interview effectively
• Establish and maintain casework relationships with clients;
• Assess and apply intervention techniques to adults, children, adolescents and / or families;
• Work in an environment that requires knowledge of and respond for family's cultural values.

Salary : $92,912 - $112,459