Social Worker II (Department of Family and Children's Services)

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.

Typical Tasks

• 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 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.

Employment Standards

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
 

AND

 
Two (2) years of social work experience
 OR

 
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
 AND

 
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.