Social Worker II – Department of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS)

Description

Under general supervision, assesses client needs and develops treatment plans in a variety of social service functions.

This list will be used to fill any current or future vacant positions in In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), or, Adult Protective Services (APS) within the Social Services Agency, Department of Aging & Adult Services (DAAS). Social Worker II’s in these departments provide services to elder, disabled, and/or dependent adults.

In the IHSS program, Social Worker II’s may be assigned to case carrying assignments, evaluating and assessing yearly service needs based on Medi-Cal, Medicare, and SSI eligibility. Candidates must be able to conduct field visits to complete initial and yearly reevaluations of client’s service needs.

In the Adult Protective Services (APS) program, Social Worker II’s may be assigned to receive, assess, and document reports on Elder or Dependent Adult abuse and neglect, investigate allegations, and document case-related activities. The ability to apply critical thinking skills and to develop professional collaborative partnerships with multi-disciplinary teams, county and community programs, and law enforcement agencies is highly desired. A Master’s Degree in Social Work is preferred for Social Worker II positions in APS.

Bilingual candidates and those with a cultural competency in serving persons with diverse backgrounds, including Latino, African and Asian Ancestry are encouraged to apply. If you speak a second language fluently (i.e., Vietnamese, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish, etc.), please specify that on your application.

The ability to speak fluently (speak, read & write) in the chosen language will be tested. Candidate must take and pass the required language fluency examination (i.e., ability to speak, read and write Spanish) for the specified language skill on your application (extended offer is contingent upon passing all pre-employment requisites – language certification and background check).

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 DAAS:
Evaluates and assesses yearly service needs based on Medical, Medicare and SSI eligibility;

Conducts field visits to do yearly reevaluations of client’s service needs;

Assesses and authorizes new applicants;

Consults, refers cases and works actively with other agencies, community groups and fair hearing officers;

Conducts field visits to hospitals, nursing homes, community care facilities as needed.

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.

Knowledge of:
Principles, objectives and techniques of social work;

Differential casework treatment techniques:
Various personality and behavior theories;

Family systems;

Individual and group behavior, human growth, development and family relationships;

Bio-psycho-socio-economic factors affecting individuals and families;

Community organization and resources;

Rules and regulations relating to public social service agencies;

Effect of one’s own personal attitudes and biases on the casework process;

Interviewing, investigative and intervention techniques;

Effective methods for handling emotional, irate or distressed people;

Computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheet and/or database.

Ability to:
Establish and maintain a productive casework relationship with clients;

Work cooperatively with co-workers, other agencies and the public;

Receive consultation;

Interpret complex laws and regulations to clients and the public;

Prepare and present written and oral reports;

Manage a caseload in a timely and effective manner;

Utilize social work techniques and community resources;

Interview effectively

Establish and maintain casework relationships with clients;

Assess and apply intervention techniques to adults, children, adolescents and / or families;

Work in an environment that requires knowledge of and respond for family’s cultural values.