What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Social Worker/ Social Worker position at Shasta County?
ABOUT THE POSITION
Under direction of the Social Worker Supervisor and Senior Social Workers, the Assistant Social Worker / Social Worker will answer the intake line for Adult Protective Services, taking in referrals and allegations regarding various types of elder maltreatment. The Assistant Social Worker will be assigned a caseload of no more than 25 cases at a time their first year, and 35 cases at a time the second year. The Social Worker will carry a service caseload of no more than 50 cases for the first year, with an expectation of unlimited cases the second year. The Assistant Social Worker / Social Worker will provide social services knowledge and resources to all clientele and community partners, as well as conduct social studies and develop service plans which may include the need for specialized social services or actions needed to assist the clients needs for safe living. The Assistant Social Worker / Social Worker will provide information about available services and generate referrals to appropriate departmental or community human services resources; and to do other work as required. Based on Amendment Bill 135 which took effect January 1, 2022, there has been an increase in cases reported to APS due to the age requirement being reduced from 65 years old to 60 years old.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Assistant Social Worker : This is the trainee class in the professional Social Worker series. A position in this class is distinguished from that of the next higher class of Social Worker in that the incumbent is given constant and detailed supervision in learning such items as departmental organization, social service programs, basic case study methods and casework services. As experience is gained, employees are assigned selected caseloads where consequence of error is minimal; case recommendations and casework methodology, however, continue to receive close review. In contrast, the Social Worker carries a full caseload, works with greater independence of action and normally provides case services of average to complex difficulty.
Social Worker : This is the full journey level in the professional Social Worker series. Incumbents spend a substantial part of their time on the more difficult, sensitive, and specialized services where major case decisions are made independently and where consequence of error may be significant. Advanced casework skills, a high degree of program knowledge, judgment and creativity are required. Typical assignments include adoptions, child foster home placement, child protective services screening and intake, juvenile court case consultation and liaison, original licensing for child foster care homes, and initial assessment of adult protective services. This class is distinguished from the Senior Social Worker class in that the latter is expected to manage a difficult caseload at the highest level of skill.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The Health & Human Services Agency of Shasta County is committed to providing fair and equal access to services. If you share this same commitment, desire a meaningful career serving the public, and want the opportunity to make a difference for your community, consider a career with us. We celebrate and are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and actively seek and encourage applications from persons with diverse backgrounds and characteristics. The ideal candidate will be able to make an immediate positive impact on external and internal customers. With a professional attitude and appearance, the ideal candidate will demonstrate a desire for serving those in need while promoting community health and well-being. This individual will be a positive contributor to the site culture and exemplify the agency values of Collaboration, Adaptability, Respect and Excellence. We welcome a candidate who is interested in a fast-paced, team-oriented, collaborative environment. The ideal candidate will be good with communication, multitasking, organizing and have the ability to maintain strong interpersonal skills.
The ideal candidate will have a minimum of two years of case management experience, working with elders 60 and older and dependent adults aged 18-59 with disabilities of a physical, medical, cognitive, intellectual, or emotional nature; possess good communication skills and a compassionate attitude; maintain accurate and timely documentation and work well with a busy and often unpredictable caseload. Experience with interviewing, completing assessments and developing services plans are critical skills for this position. The successful candidate will work within a community setting and effectively use appropriate resources and services. The candidate will also be required to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, clients, and community organizations.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Assistant Social Worker : Studies and applies the principles and techniques of social work to a caseload which includes basic types of services problems; as a learner-trainee interviews clients to ascertain the nature of their problems and develop elementary services plans; carries out the less difficult services plans under close supervision where the end result normally is a tangible service, such as employment, referral to a community center or an environmental change; makes referrals to other staff members when problems are beyond level of competence; interprets services rules, regulations and policy to clients and the general public when within the scope of responsibility; maintains necessary casework records; attends training courses designed to further understanding of the social work processes and to increase technical competence.
Social Worker : Carries a caseload of the more difficult types of social service cases involving individualized treatment and specialized advanced application of casework methods and skills; diagnoses client problems and follows through with the more difficult treatment plans with a high degree of independence; interviews clients in office or home to assess needs for service; explains the optional and mandatory nature of social services programs; interprets State, County and departmental rules, regulations and policies to individuals and groups; responds to requests for information and makes referrals to appropriate workers or departments; gathers, maintains and disseminates current information on community resources; prepares reports, case records and correspondence; as an additional duty, incumbents may function in a lead capacity and assist with casework consultation and training for other social workers; assists in developing and implementing unit policies and procedures; acts in the absence of the supervisor or as designated in assigning cases and reviewing and approving case decisions; attends meetings and does related work as needed.
In Adult Services, undertakes a caseload of elderly clients to identify mental, physical and economic abilities and limitations which affect capacity for independent and / or family living; conducts initial in-depth client assessments covering psychological, social, rehabilitation and environmental conditions; makes home visits and evaluates needs and makes referrals to other agencies and services as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education and experience sufficient to directly demonstrate possession and application of the following :
Knowledge of : Social casework objectives, principles, methods and caseload organization and management; the functions and services provided by a public social service agency including basic knowledge of community resources; principles of human growth and development; the laws, policies and administrative procedures of County social service programs; community organization and the social problems calling for the use of public and private community resources; principles and techniques of interviewing and recording in social casework.
Ability to : Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with clients and their families, other employees, representatives of other public agencies and community organizations and groups; effectively use community and agency resources; utilize supervision and direction effectively to meet program goals of the department; communicate effectively in written and oral form; manage a difficult caseload; understand and explain pertinent regulations and policies; maintain current, accurate case records and use automated systems as necessary.
These employment standards are typically attained with :
Assistant Social Worker :
Knowledge of : Basic principles of individual and group behavior; the general nature of social problems calling for the general principles of public assistance policies and programs; basic public welfare programs of the Federal, State and local levels; principles of Interviewing and methodology; socio-economic conditions and trends.
Ability to : Establish rapport with clients and their families in working toward a solution of their problem; analyze situations and adopt effective courses of action; speak and write effectively; learn and understand the agency programs and automated systems.
These employment standards are typically attained through possession of a bachelor's degree, including thirty (30) semester college units in social welfare, social / human services, sociology, or other behavioral sciences.
Social Worker :
Knowledge of : Social casework objectives, principles, methods and caseload organization and management; the functions and services provided by a public social service agency including basic knowledge of community resources; principles of human growth and development; the laws, policies and administrative procedures of County social service programs; community organization and the social problems calling for the use of public and private community resources; principles and techniques of interviewing and recording in social casework.
Ability to : Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with clients and their families, other employees, representatives of other public agencies and community organizations and groups; effectively use community and agency resources; utilize supervision and direction effectively to meet program goals of the department; communicate effectively in written and oral form; manage a difficult caseload; understand and explain pertinent regulations and policies; maintain current, accurate case records and use automated systems as necessary.
These employment standards are typically attained with :
Two (2) years of experience performing professional social casework services,
Possession of a master's degree in social work or a master's degree from a two-year counseling program,
Be a registered MFCC intern with California State Board of Behavioral Science;
Possession of a bachelor's degree, including thirty (30) semester college units in social welfare, social / human services, sociology or other behavioral sciences; AND two (2) years of experience as an Assistant Social Worker in Shasta County;
Possession of a bachelor's degree, including thirty (30) semester college units in social welfare, social / human services, sociology or other behavioral sciences; AND two (2) years of experience performing social casework services in child or adult protective services comparable to an Assistant Social Worker in Shasta County.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
- Possession of an appropriate California driver’s license.
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS
Responses to the following must be submitted with a completed application.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move more than 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, extreme cold, and extreme heat. Exposure to unsanitary conditions, e.g., spoiled foods, feces, urine, and disease.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURES
Shasta County Personnel will accept applications and responses to the supplemental questions until 9 : 00 a.m., on February 24, 2025. A Resume and / or Cover Letter will be accepted in addition to the application form but will not serve as a substitute for a completed application. It is not acceptable to complete the application with statements such as, “Refer to Resume and / or Cover Letter,” or “See Attached Resume and / or Cover Letter” the employment application must be completed in its entirety prior to submission. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Closing date postmarks or faxes will NOT be accepted. This recruitment will establish a list that may or may not be used by other departments. Prior applicants must reapply to be considered.
Applicants will be screened and those considered best qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and / or written examination. Meeting the announced requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and / or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.
Veterans' Credit : Veterans (as defined by California Government Code section 18973) who have been discharged from military service under conditions other than dishonorable and who receive a passing score on all components of the employment examinations (up to and including oral examinations) shall receive credit for an additional five points to be added to their final examination score. To be considered for this credit, a veteran MUST provide a copy of his or her discharge document (DD-214 or equivalent) and information as to the type of discharge (honorable, dishonorable, etc.) WITH THE EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION ON OR BEFORE THE FINAL FILING DATE.
Applicants are encouraged to apply on-line at www.ShastaCountyCareers.com or submit an application to the Shasta County Personnel Office.
Arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants with disabilities. Requests for accommodations may be made to the Shasta County Personnel Office by the filing deadline posted on this bulletin. Shasta County does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you feel you are being denied service based on a disability, our ADA Coordinator may be reached at (530) 225-5515; relay service (800) 735-2922; fax (530) 225-5345.
Shasta County will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Shasta County is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting calcivilrights.ca.gov / fair-chance-act.
SHASTA COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Salary : $46,416 - $68,580
