Social Worker II - Honolulu, Oahu

Position Specific Description

Recruitment Number 25-139TY, Social Worker II, SR-18, Honolulu, Oahu.

Second-level social worker position. Candidates may be eligible for other levels (I, III, IV) depending on qualifications. Apply separately for each level.

Hawai`i State Judiciary Social Workers work in court programs with a diverse client base and complex issues. Key functions include:

• Supervision of juvenile and adult law violators.
• Supervision of defendants conditionally released from the Hawai`i State Hospital.
• Conducting child custody/visitation evaluations.
• Assisting protection order petitioners.
• Assisting in child welfare services cases referred to the Family Court.
• Serving juveniles temporarily detained.
• Engaging families and community in juvenile cases.

Issues involved may include substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, child abuse and neglect, trauma, disputed child custody, victim restitution, and other complex social matters.

Social Worker II positions handle a range of cases from simple to moderately difficult, requiring self‑confident mandate without mandatory supervisory mandate.

Education

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree that includes at least twelve semester credit hours in relevant courses (social work, social welfare, criminal justice, human services, counseling, psychology, sociology, or related social sciences). Experience can substitute for education on a year-for-year basis when comparable in scope and quality.

Specialized Experience

• At least one-half year of progressively responsible professional social work experience demonstrating utilization of social work skills, professional judgment, and assistance to individuals and families.
• Typical work includes conducting assessments, developing and implementing treatment plans, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and evaluating client progress.

Substitution Allowed

• 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.

Non‑Qualifying Experience

• Supportive services to professional social workers or related professionals.
• Eligibility determination for public welfare benefits.
• Vocational, educational, psychological, or pastoral counseling.
• Occupational or physical therapeutic services.
• Peace Corps or VISTA work not requiring professional social work supervision.
• Relocation assistance for displaced clients.
• Trainee-level social work without competent supervision.

• Driver's License required for certain positions.
• Qualification to possess firearms or ammunition may be required for certain positions (no misdemeanor or felony domestic violence convictions).

Applicants may have contact with detainees in juvenile facilities, lockups, prisons, jails, or community confinement facilities. The Hawai`i State Judiciary will not hire or promote individuals who:

• Have engaged in sexual abuse in these facilities.
• Have been convicted of sexual activity involving force, threats, or lack of consent.
• Have been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in such activities.
• Have substantiated allegations of sexual abuse or harassment, or resigned during pending investigation.

Most positions serve as probation officers. They manage a caseload of clients adjudicated for law violations or status offenses, providing supervision under probation or protective supervision, services provision, or monitoring compliance. Probation officers collaborate with clients experiencing serious mental health issues, family conflict, extensive law violation histories, severe behavioral problems, disruptive parent/child relationships, and substance abuse.