Social Worker IV

Position Summary Under general direction, the Social Worker IV A/B performs case work 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. Key Responsibilities 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. 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 reports, 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 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. Abilities 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. Minimum Qualifications Candidate must possess a master’s degree in social work from an accredited college or university. One year of full‑time experience performing advanced level social work case management in a public or private agency. Alternative pathways include master’s degrees from accredited two‑year counseling programs (e.g., Marriage and Family Therapy, Clinical Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, Addiction Counseling, Gerontology, Counseling Psychology) with equivalent experience requirements. Candidates within six months of completing the master’s degree may be admitted to the examination with proof of graduation prior to appointment. Additional Information An employment bonus of up to $5,000 may be offered to candidates hired into a full‑time Social Worker IV/V permanent position, subject to qualification and taxation. English/Spanish bilingual skills are desirable but not required. Background investigation, fingerprinting, and verification of citizenship and employment eligibility are required. Valid California driver’s license is required for positions that involve county business travel. Veterans may request preference points by submitting a DD‑214 form. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr