Social Work Supervisor; Adult Services

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Work in this classification involves providing supervision to a staff of social workers who provide direct and indirect services to clients. Work supervised will generally include protective services work within a Social Services program, but may also include the supervision of other highly sensitive or specialized areas. Employees are responsible for guiding and coordinating the activities of a group of predominately Social Worker III-level staff who are engaged in social work, casework, and community services.

Work involves the assignment of sensitive cases to workers for investigation, diagnosis, treatment, or referral in such areas alleged abuse, neglect or dependence, or exploitation and which require the response to complaints within specific time frames; employees review and consult on cases to ensure quality of services and compliance with regulations; and training and supervise workers through individual conferences and departmental staff meetings.

The Social Work Supervisor's responsibilities may range from a single sub‑unit in an agency to multiple service programs. Employees may provide input to higher level management on administrative, personnel, and budget issues. Employees report to a higher level supervisor or administrator.

Planning – Work involves reviewing program objectives, client needs, and service delivery concerns with staff and formulating specific goals and objectives for the assigned program area. Employees provide input to higher‑level management on short‑range planning needs for staff or unit.

Organizing and Directing – Employees assign cases to staff and maintain workload balance. Employees make changes in work procedures to meet program demands and present recommendations to management on issues that impact on programmatic goals, objectives and policies.

Budgeting – Employees are minimally involved in the development, justification, or allocation of funds. Employees may manage a small unit budget and monitor staff and administrative expenditures.

Training – Employees provide on‑the‑job training for staff and make arrangements for staff to receive approved training.

Setting Work Standards – Employees ensure that policies, rules and regulations are followed. Employees explain and implement changes when necessary.

Reviewing Work – Employees monitor the work of subordinate staff through individual case reviews, progress and transaction reports, updates, conferences and informal discussions; employees assure compliance with operational standards and established policies.

Counseling and Disciplining – Employees discuss problems with staff; make recommendations regarding disciplinary action and conduct disciplinary conferences, all subject to approval and review by an upper level supervisor.

Performing Other Personnel Functions – Employees participate in the interview and selection process and make recommendations to higher level management on hiring decisions. Employees provide input on discussions concerning promotions and salary adjustments for individuals supervised. Employees participate in subordinate's performance evaluations and approve leave requests.

Dynamics of Work Supervised – Programs are periodically affected by changes in methodology, guidelines and shifting program emphasis. These changes may require employees to develop new approaches or procedures to meet program objectives.

Variety of Work Supervised – Employees supervise staff responsible for the delivery of basic social work services to clients and their families who have social, economic, emotional or mental problems.

Numbers of Employees Responsible For – Employees are responsible for supervising approximately five to twelve professional and paraprofessional employees.

Employees are responsible for the quality of service provided by staff. Employees receive reviews through periodic conferences, meetings, informal interaction, reports, and performance appraisals. Review for quality is also received through periodic random case reviews.