Social Worker IV; DL - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Position

Recruitment Number 23-212TY — Social Worker IV (DL), SR-22, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

Note: A current valid driver’s license is required to operate a motor vehicle. The immediate vacancy requires the incumbent to be of the same gender (male) as the clients being served.

Working as a Social Worker with the Judiciary provides the opportunity to contribute to public welfare and safety. Social workers are employed across various court programs, performing diverse duties and serving a wide range of clients. The role emphasizes evidence‑based practices to promote behavioral change and improve outcomes.

Social Workers in court programs perform tasks such as:

• Supervision of juvenile and adult law violators
• Conducting child custody/visitation evaluations
• Assisting protection order petitioners and child welfare cases referred to Family Court
• Managing children temporarily detained and engaging families and communities in juvenile cases
• Addressing issues related to substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, child abuse and neglect, trauma, disputed custody, victim restitution, and more

Positions at the Social Worker IV level involve intensive case work, supervisions, technical consultation, and the full range of department program services.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four‑year institution with at least 12 semester credit hours in social work, criminal justice, human services, counseling, psychology, sociology, or related social sciences.

Experience:

Two and one‑half years of progressively responsible professional social work experience, demonstrating assessment, plan development, collaborative practice, and client progress evaluation. Experience may be substituted for education on a year‑for‑year basis if scope, level, and quality are comparable.

Additional requirements:

• Current valid driver’s license
• Eligibility to perform supervised duties for clients of the same gender (male)

Experience must involve utilizing social work skills and professional judgement, including:

• Conducting assessments and implementing treatment plans
• Collaborating with other professionals and community agencies in interdisciplinary teams
• Evaluating client progress and adjusting plans

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or Criminal Justice Administration qualifies for Social Worker II or six (6) months experience
• Master’s degree in Social Work or Criminal Justice Administration qualifies for Social Worker III or one and one‑half (1‑1/2) years experience
• Ph.D. in Social Work or Criminal Justice Administration qualifies for Social Worker IV or two and one‑half (2‑1/2) years experience

• Providing supportive services to professionals in public welfare, family court, etc.
• Determining eligibility for benefits under public welfare programs
• Vocational, educational, psychological, or pastoral counseling
• Occupational or physical therapeutic services
• Peace Corps or VISTA work not involving professional social work knowledge
• Relocating displaced clients for urban renewal
• Trainee‑level social work unless performed under competent supervision

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

Candidates must not have a history of sexual abuse or related allegations as specified under the Prison Rape Elimination Act. This includes any engagement or conviction for sexual activity involving inmates, detainees, or residents of confinement facilities.

Many Social Worker IV positions serve as probation officers, managing a case load of clients adjudicated for law violations or status offenses. Duties involve:

• Supervising clients with serious mental health issues, family conflict, or drug/alcohol abuse
• Providing collaborative casework to ensure compliance with court orders

Any additional supporting documents may be included in the application. Transcripts or diplomas can be submitted at the time of application, with official copies requested later if the applicant is selected.