Clinical Social Worker

Job Description and Duties

The Department of Developmental Services (Department) is seeking compassionate and dedicated individuals to join their team at the Stabilization Training Assistance Reintegration (STAR) Acute Crisis Homes. As a member of the STAR team, you will work to provide support to individuals with developmental disabilities during times of acute crisis. This role requires individuals who are passionate about person-centered care, and who are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities. STAR currently provides assistance to adolescents (11-17 years old) and adults (18 years of age and older) who are receiving regional center services. The STAR homes are four to five bed homes in community settings (Vacaville, Springville, and Costa Mesa).

As a member of the Department STAR team, you will work in a community home setting where you will be responsible for assisting individuals with activities of daily living, providing emotional support, and promoting independence. This is an incredibly rewarding position for individuals who are passionate about helping others and who want to make a positive impact in their community. If you are looking for a career where you can truly make a difference, then we encourage you to apply for a role with the Department STAR Acute Crisis Homes today. 

Effective July 1, 2025, State employees are subject to a salary reduction of three percent in exchange for five hours per month of the Personal Leave.

The Department now offers an entrance salary rate of Range U $8265.00 or Range V of $8876.00 for the Clinical Social Worker classification.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

May involve heavy lifting over 25 pounds, often combined with pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, squatting, grabbing, carrying, kneeling, twisting, and reaching at, or above, shoulder level. Periodically requires extraordinary physical activity. May be reassigned to STAR residence or projects to meet operational needs. On-going interaction with individuals with developmental disabilities and severe psychiatric and behavioral conditions at STAR residence and in community settings, such as individual's homes, hospital, or psychiatric settings. Potential exposure to communicable diseases, blood-borne pathogens, medicinal preparations, and other conditions common to a clinical nursing environment.  May work extended hours, varying shifts, and site location to meet staffing requirements. Work will include travel and possible overnight stays. Must be able to travel to locations throughout the three STAR/CAST locations and DDS headquarters.

This position requires lawful authorization to work in the United States. The Department does not sponsor employment visas for this position.

Pursuant to California Government Code requirements, candidates must be residents of the State of California at the time of appointment.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
• The position(s) require(s) a Drug Screening be passed prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) a(n) Clinical Social Worker License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.

In addition to possessing a Clinical Social Worker license and meeting the minimum qualifications of the Clinical Social Worker classification, the position requires  one of the following additional requirements specified below in order to meet the group home requirements:

1. Have a master's degree in Social Work or Counseling from an accredited college or university, plus a minimum of one year of employment as a Social Worker, as defined in section 80001(a)(47), in an agency serving children or in a group residential program for children.

1. Have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, plus at least one year of administrative experience or supervisory experience over social work, child care, and/or support DSPs providing direct services to children in an agency or in a community care facility with a licensed capacity of seven or more.

1. Have completed at least two years at an accredited college or university, plus at least two years administrative experience or supervisory experience over social work, child care, and/or support DSPs providing direct services to children in an agency or in a community care facility with a licensed capacity of seven or more.

1. Have completed high school, or equivalent, plus at least three years administrative experience or supervisory experience over social work, child care, and/or support staff providing direct services to children in an agency or in a community care facility with a licensed capacity of seven or more.

1. Be a qualified behavior modification professional, defined by an individual with two years of experience; designing, supervising and implementing behavior modification services and a LCSW or LMFT (Title 17 Section 59050(v)). 

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Knowledge of : Cultural sensitivity for the population being served, positive behavioral supports, trauma informed care, coaching skills training, person centered practices, how to utilize less restrictive techniques for behavioral issues, and have a minimum of two years prior experience providing services to adolescents with developmental disabilities. Possession and maintenance of sufficient endurance to perform during emergency situations, or during physically, mentally, or emotionally stressful situations encountered on the job without endangering their own health and well-being or that of fellow employees, individuals, or the public.

Ability to :  Work with individuals with developmental disabilities (e.g., autistic spectrum disorder, intellectual disability), severe behavioral conditions (e.g., aggression, self-injurious behavior, property destruction, and elopement), and psychiatric conditions and symptoms (e.g., psychosis, mood disorders, PTSD, and suicidal ideation). Possess and maintain sufficient strength, agility, endurance, and sensory ability to perform the duties contained in this duty statement.

Benefits

As a state employee working for the Department of Developmental Services, you and your family will have access to excellent medical, dental and vision insurance benefits in addition to retirement benefits. 

Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base and length of appointment. Additional benefits may also be outlined for specific bargaining units in employee collective bargaining contracts. For more information, please visit the links below:

Benefit information can be found on the  CalHR website and the website.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The next cut-off dates for this job posting are:

08/07/2026

08/21/2026

09/24/2026

Electronic application submission is highly encouraged.

Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment. This recruitment may be utilized to fill future vacancies that may occur during the life of the certification list.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate may be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the California Department of Human Resources.

If you have not taken the Clinical Social Worker exam/assessment you may find the exam for this classification at the link below. You must take and pass the exam/assessment to obtain eligibility for hire. Click  here to gain list eligibility.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.