Social Worker III; PO​/DL - Kauai

Recruitment Number 25-008TY, Social Worker III (PO/DL), SR-20*, Kauai

* Salary rate effective 07/01/2025.

The position serves as a probation officer and requires a current valid driver's license to operate a motor vehicle.

Social Workers with the Judiciary contribute to public welfare and safety. Duties are program‑specific and can be diverse, with a range of clients and opportunities to develop a broad set of skills. The role promotes client behavioral changes and improves outcomes using evidence‑based practices. This position is ideal for those who embrace collaborative casework and seek solutions to complex social issues.

Functions may include, but are not limited to: supervision of juvenile law violators, adult law violators, defendants conditionally released from the Hawaii State Hospital, or juvenile status offenders; conducting child custody/visitation evaluations; assisting protection order petitioners; assisting in child welfare services cases referred to the Family Court; juveniles temporarily detained; and engaging families and communities in juvenile cases.

Issues involved may include substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, child abuse and neglect, trauma, disputed child custody/visitation, victim restitution, and others.

Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with a bachelor’s degree, including a minimum of twelve semester credit hours in courses such as social work, social welfare, criminal justice, human services, counseling, psychology, sociology, or related social sciences.

Experience may substitute education on a year‑for‑year basis when it is of comparable scope, level, and quality. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to write clear reports, read complex material, and solve complex problems.

One and one‑half years of progressively responsible professional social work experience involving assessment, treatment planning, interdisciplinary teamwork, and client progress evaluation.

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or Criminal Justice Administration – qualifies for Social Worker II or six months of experience.
• Master’s degree in Social Work or Criminal Justice Administration – qualifies for Social Worker III or one and one‑half years of experience.
• Ph.D. in Social Work or Criminal Justice Administration – qualifies for Social Worker IV or two and one‑half years of experience.

• Providing supportive services to social workers or other professional workers in public welfare, family court, etc.
• Determining eligibility for public welfare benefits such as medical assistance or food stamps.
• Providing vocational, educational, psychological, or pastoral counseling.
• Providing occupational or physical therapeutic services.
• Peace Corps or VISTA work that did not involve professional social work supervision.
• Relocating clients displaced by urban renewal or other reasons.
• Trainee‑level social work without competent supervision.

Applicants must possess a current and valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle.

Applicants may have contact with detainees in juvenile facilities and lockups, inmates in prison or jail, or residents of community confinement facilities. The Hawaii State Judiciary shall not hire or promote anyone who has engaged in sexual abuse in any of these settings, has been convicted of sexual activities accompanied by force or coercion, has been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in such activities, or has been the subject of substantiated allegations or resigned during a pending investigation.

Applicants who will graduate with a Master’s degree in Social Work or Criminal Justice Administration may apply within three months prior to graduation. If selected, an original official transcript indicating completion of required coursework and awarding of the degree will be required.