Social Worker IV

Under general direction, the Social Worker IV A/B performs casework of an advanced nature dealing with complex individual and family problems; undertakes intensive treatment plans and counseling requiring professional knowledge and training; performs other related work as assigned. Social Worker IV A/B requires a Master's degree and social work case management experience in a public or private social services agency. This is the highest non-supervisory level in the series. Incumbents perform casework requiring the application of high level and sophisticated social services expertise and techniques, generally in areas such as adult and child protective services. SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED Social Worker IV A/B receives supervision from a Social Worker Supervisor or other higher-level supervisor or manager pursuant to California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Manual of Policy and Procedures (MPP) Division 31 regulations (31.070). A Social Worker IV A/B may provide lead direction to lower level Social Workers or service employees. Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Performs case studies for the purpose of assessing problems and determining appropriate types and methods of treatment. Develops intensive long or short-term treatment plans, which require a comprehensive fund of professional knowledge with the aim of improving or restoring individual or family functioning. Ensures all services are delivered in a respectful, culturally sensitive and appropriate manner and Acts as a casework consultant to staff members without professional training. Functions at a highly skilled level in such areas as counseling, protective services, medical social work, family services, community organization and research. May perform the following specific types of counseling: marital, family inter-relationship, protective services for children or adults incapable of self-care. Investigates and provides services to children where their physical or emotional welfare is involved such as cases of neglect, abuse, emotional or behavioral problems, physical or mental disabilities, or other health conditions involving a child's personality; unmarried parenthood; conflict in parent-child relationships; lack of proper guardianship of a child; problems in school or community relationships; inadequate child care arrangements by working parents or the absence of one parent from the home and its effects on the stability of the child's home. Receives reports of children, dependent adults and elderly abuse; investigates allegations by conducting interviews with victims and others; assesses situations to protect vulnerable adults and children and recommends, implements and monitors alternate placement, may remove children from unsafe situations; may provide information to law enforcement or district attorneys; may be required to work on-call; may testify in court; supports witnesses and victims who must testify in court. Assesses prospective foster and adoptive parents; matches children with adoptive/foster parents, and counsels foster and adoptive families. Refers clients to other staff members Coordinates and directly monitors family visitations to assess progress toward the case plan goals. Interprets and explains rules, regulations and policies to clients and applicants. Maintains casework records and handles relevant correspondence. Develops and prepares court report, case plans, case narratives and safety plans in automated computer systems. Operates a personal computer and other office equipment; enters and retrieves data and narratives from automated computer systems. Prepares and maintains case records and databases; communicates decisions, timelines, recommendations, and case plans to clients, families, and service providers. Communicates effectively with clients and others in writing, in person, and over the telephone. Analyzes data, interprets directions, procedures and regulations, and develops appropriate responses. Performs job duties under stressful conditions and emergency situations. Responds appropriately to situations. Maintains confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations; performs all duties in conformance with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. Performs related duties as assigned. EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS Knowledge of: Principles and practices of organization, workload management, and time management. Principles and practices of note taking, report writing, English composition, grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Phone etiquette and interview techniques. Principles and practices of counseling, bio-psychosocial assessments and therapy Physical and mental health principles and the impact on the personality. Local socio-economic conditions, trends, and current problems and methodology in the field of public social services. Basic principles and techniques of interviewing and recording the social casework. Laws, rules, and regulations governing the operation of the public welfare agency and the role and responsibilities of a social worker. Community organizations and social problems calling for the use of public and private community resources. Basic principles involved in the nature, growth and development of personality, and in-group processes. Basic principles of individual and group behavior. Current issues in the field of social welfare. Principles of analysis and problem-solving methodology. Basic public welfare programs on the Federal, State, and local level. General principles of public assistance policies and programs. Medical, legal, economic, and social management needs of individuals and families with special medical needs such as HIV disease, drug dependency, the medically fragile child, Alzheimer's, and the terminally ill. Strategies and protocols surrounding crisis intervention techniques such as voice modulation and assessing the potential for suicide. Psychopathology, the different types of mental illness diagnoses, how mental illness affects human behavior and mental health services and treatments utilized by clients. Signs, stages and dynamics of abuse, and the effects of abuse on child/adult development and behavior. Signs and symptoms of alcohol and drug use/abuse in adults and children and the effects on families. Standards for maintaining clients safely in home; options for placement; effects of removing clients from unsafe situations. Ability to: Apply the principles of child psychology and family relationships. Evaluate personal psychological factors in the child and/or family's situation. Recognize signs of abuse for children, the elderly and dependent adults; assess risk factors and potential dangers to clients. Act effectively in stressful situations. Demonstrate skill in the more difficult casework areas. Accept and use consultative supervision. Analyze situations and adopt effective courses of action. Apply existing laws, rules and regulations to welfare department operations and interpret and explain to the applicant, recipient, or others public social services programs, policies, rules and regulations. Develop skill in interviewing, case recording and interpretation. Interact professionally and respectfully with clients including difficult, hostile, or distressed clients. Respect cultural differences. Work constructively within a community setting and effectively use appropriate resources and services. Understand and learn the agency programs, policy and procedures. Obtain and recognize relevant and significant facts. Organize and maintain work detail. Relate and work well with agency staff, clients, and others. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain client rapport on an individual basis. Maintain confidentiality in accordance with legal standards and/or county regulations. Use computers and related software. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with agency staff, clients, and outside organizations. Social Worker IV A Pattern 1: A master's degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university; Pattern 2: A master's degree from an accredited two (2) year counseling program*; Pattern 3: One (1) year of full-time experience performing advanced journey (equivalent to a MSS SW III) level social work case management as a Social Worker in a public or private agency and master's degree in social or behavioral science, psychology, anthropology, sociology and counseling education. *Qualifying counseling degrees from a two (2) year counseling program includes: Marriage and Family Therapy, Clinical Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, Addiction Counseling, Gerontology, Counseling Psychology. Social Worker IV B Pattern 1: A master's degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university and one (1) year of full-time experience performing social work case management as a Social Worker in a public or private agency; Pattern 2: A master's degree from an accredited college or university two (2) year counseling program* and one (1) year of full-time experience performing social work case management as a Social Worker in a public or private agency; Pattern 3: Two (2) years of full-time experience performing advanced journey (equivalent to a MSS SW III) level social work case management as a Social Worker in a public or private agency and master's degree in social or behavioral science, psychology, anthropology, sociology and counseling education. *Qualifying counseling degrees from a two (2) year counseling program includes: Marriage and Family Therapy, Clinical Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, Addiction Counseling, Gerontology, Counseling Psychology. ELIGIBLE LIST INFORMATION A departmental open eligible list will be established for the county of Imperial. The list will be utilized for 12 months after it is established unless the needs of the service and conditions of the list warrant a change in this period. RETEST PERIOD Once you have taken the examination, you may not retest for SIX (6) MONTHS from the established eligibility date. EDUCATION DOCUMENTS If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, you must attach your transcripts to your application. Applicants with foreign transcripts must provide a transcript evaluation that indicates the number of units to which the foreign course work is equivalent. Transcripts and evaluations may be unofficial; official transcripts may be required upon appointment. Please redact birthdates and social security numbers. GENERAL INFORMATION This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY The Merit System Services program is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION A valid driver's license is required at the time of appointment and employees may also be required to drive their own car, provide proof of car insurance. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. This position will require pre-employment drug testing, a physical examination, and fingerprinting for a background investigation. Government agencies accessing US government information, which include federal tax information must ensure that background investigation requirements for all agency employees and contractors that have access to federal tax information are consistent to the IRS background investigation requirements for access to federal tax information. Employees in this position will be required to drive in and out of the county to conduct business. Travel may include an airplane commute. Travel out of State may be required. Employees may be required to work with clients of various age groups and clients with mental health issues, physical health issues, substance abuse issues, victims of abuse and/or domestic violence, at risk of abuse, and financial instability. Employees may encounter hostile and emotionally troubled clients, including children and parents under the influence of controlled substances and alcohol. Employees may be required to change diapers, carry infants/toddlers, and secure children in car seats. Employees in this position may be required to work overtime and will be required to participate in On-Call Rotation. Employees will be required to represent the County in administrative appeals and fair hearings. The ability to speak, read, and write Spanish in addition to English would be an asset in this position. Applicants for English/Spanish bilingual designated positions must take and pass the bilingual proficiency examination administered by the California Department of Human Resources, Merit System Services. Employees in this position must be able to provide- support and directions to staff after hours. Employees will be required to visit clients at their homes to conduct safety and risk assessments. All Imperial County employees are considered Disaster Service Workers and might be required to take the associated FEMA training. ABOUT IMPERIAL COUNTY Imperial County is located in the Imperial Valley in the southeast of California, bordering Arizona and Mexico, with the Colorado River forming the County's eastern boundary. Imperial County is a major agricultural center, producing half of the nation's winter vegetables, as well as extensive renewable resources, such as geothermal, wind, and solar. Off-road enthusiasts are drawn to the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation area, and the Colorado River is a popular destination for watersports, including fishing, boating, and water skiing. Fans of the popular movie, The Return of the Jedi, will recognize the Algodones Sand Dunes, where the movie was filmed. #J-18808-Ljbffr